The Grant County Fairgrounds has temporarily suspended all new open-riding access and private riding sessions through at least December 16 due to the rapidly spreading Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak. This precaution follows confirmed cases linked to major equine events, including the WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Texas, with cases now reported across the Southwest, Mountain West, and at least one in Washington. The fairgrounds emphasized that protecting the health of riders, horses, and the community is their top priority and may extend the suspension if new cases arise.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation and will reassess conditions as the suspension end date approaches, urging horse owners statewide to enhance biosecurity, limit travel, and watch for illness signs. While EHV-1 does not affect humans, it can cause severe neurological disease in horses, making containment critical. An update on the fairgrounds’ schedule will be provided in mid-December, and riders are advised to prepare for a possible extension of the suspension.