Teal Spur Riding Lessons

⚠️ 𝗘𝗛𝗩-𝟭 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

Please be careful out there, everyone.

Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals has confirmed multiple cases of EHV-1 in horses returning from a recent event, with several showing neurologic signs (EHM). The Texas Animal Health Commission is aware and monitoring the situation. While 5–10 cases are confirmed, the actual number is likely higher.

What Horse Owners Should Know:

1️⃣ 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲
Avoid hauling, shows, clinics, or mixing horses for the next few weeks.
Movement is the #1 driver of spread.

2️⃣ 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆
Fever is often the very first sign.
➡️ 101.5°F or higher = call your vet immediately.

3️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀
• Fever
• Weakness or incoordination
• Wide-based stance
• Changes in tail tone
• Difficulty urinating
• Lethargy or decreased appetite

4️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻
For exposed or febrile horses, your vet may recommend:
Valacyclovir, anti-inflammatories, anti-thrombotics, or other supportive care.
Only use these under veterinary direction.

5️⃣ 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹
• Do not share water buckets, hoses, grooming tools, or tack
• Disinfect thermometers, trailers, stalls, and crossties
• Isolate any horse with a fever
• Wash hands and change clothes between barns when possible

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Vaccines do not prevent the neurologic form, but boosters can reduce viral shedding and shorten viremia—both of which help limit barn-wide spread.
Do not vaccinate febrile or exposed horses until cleared by your vet.

BVEH will continue providing updates as more information becomes available.

We’re thinking of everyone dealing with this right now.
Stay alert, keep your horses home when you can, and take care of them. ❤️‍🩹

Happy Halloween! 👻 🎃 🫏 🍬

Nothing better than a quiet early morning ride to start this beautiful Friday. 🙌

🌟 Gratitude Spotlight: Stella 🌟

Today, I want to take a moment to give thanks for the true star of my program— Stella 💛

I couldn’t do what I do without her. Stella is patient, kind, and endlessly forgiving — the kind of horse that meets every rider where they are and helps them grow with confidence.

She’s more than just a lesson horse — she’s a teacher, a partner, and a friend. Stella gives every student the chance to learn, make mistakes, and fall in love with horses in a safe and supportive way.

We are so thankful for her gentle heart and all the lessons she continues to share with each new rider who climbs into her saddle. 💕🐴 🫶

Did you know horses ‘talk’ with their ears and eyes? 👀🐴
When their ears are forward, they’re curious and paying attention. When they’re turned back, they’re listening to you!
The more you learn their language, the better partner you become.

Smile through the chaos, ride through the challenge, it’s a good day to be happy. 💫🐴 🤠