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.”
