Source:  News Release

Appaloosa Horse Club World Champion Show Continues
Tests on horse come back negative; voluntary quarantine lifted at WRMC

Test results on the horse with symptoms that prompted the voluntary quarantine of entries in the Appaloosa Horse Club World Championships at the Fort Worth Will Rogers Memorial Center have come back negative.

Because tests show no health risk to other horses or participants, the World Championships will continue through its scheduled conclusion on Saturday. Show officials are working on a revised schedule to accommodate the activities that were postponed.

“Obviously, we are delighted with the results,” said Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer with the Appaloosa Horse Club. “We are especially proud of the cooperation between the show officials, the Will Rogers Memorial Center representatives and the others involved in the decision to implement the precautionary measures.”

Taylor also said he was grateful for the patience and cooperation of the exhibitors who supported the precautionary measures.

Voluntary quarantine protocols were initiated Tuesday night after the horse displayed what appeared to be neurological symptoms. WRMC staff immediately began the precautionary quarantine protocols, including isolation of the horse in question and two other horses that arrived at the show in the same trailer, as well as regular sanitization of the barn and implements.

Kevin Kemp, assistant facilities and public events director, said the WRMC staff is prepared for these types of situations and is ready to respond.

“The good news for everyone involved is the tests came back negative,” Kemp said. “In cases like this, we have a number of protocols in place that help us ensure the health and safety of the show participants. These are part of our efforts to be prepared and provide the best and most complete service possible to the show participants who come to our facility. Our staff acted immediately, and because of that we were able to reduce the risk.”