12/10/2025
None of us know exactly what the future holds — whether we’re talking about EHV-1 or life in general. What’s been most disappointing throughout this situation, in my opinion, is the lack of empathy and understanding for others. It should be simple to acknowledge that zero competitors in our sport would ever willfully put their horse in danger. I truly appreciate the quality of individuals who come compete at our facility — you all are exceptional people.
We’re all working with scattered information and doing the best we can. Personally, I feel it may be a little too soon for gatherings, and I genuinely pray I’m wrong. If secondary exposures lead to more cases and shut us down longer, we won’t be blaming anyone, even though it impacts us significantly. At the moment, everything we do for revenue is tied directly to horses.
Some general thoughts for consideration:
• A weekly recommendation from ODAFF or OSU Equine Hospital regarding the most effective timeline to prevent second- and third-level spread would be incredibly helpful. Even in cases like this, if there were consensus on a likely “safe” date to resume events, I believe our community would respect and honor it.
• Facilities without horses on the property — but that rely on events for income — will understandably be the first to resume gatherings. The penalty for an exposure is a 21-day quarantine, which may be less costly than voluntarily closing.
Facilities like SkyWass Ranch, which do have horses on-site, are forced to be much more conservative.
• You may have noticed Leslie Foster-Smalygo posting videos from SkyWass Ranch. During the outbreak window, we had a couple of Leslie’s horses here in training. She was already back from the season & we’re her workout facility. Her property doesn’t connect to any other horses, so we were already all in the same boat. Yes, Leslie, Gus, and her new group of up-and-comers have been working out here. We're happy to have them.
We are currently closed to the public until further notice. ~Britt Wasson