he Virginia Horse Council is your voice for the expanding equine industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Council is a not-for-profit organization formed by horsemen for Virginia horsemen. The membership and Board of Directors represent all breeds. The purpose of the Virginia Horse Council is to promote and improve the horse industry in Virginia.

Our mission is to serve as the umbrella organization of the Virginia equine community and to serve as the lobbyist on issues affecting, horsemen, horsewomen and horses in the Commonwealth. This is a mission that your Virginia Horse Council Board of Directors takes seriously and is both committed to following and is dedicated to fulfilling.

Urgent News
Urgent Virginia Horse Council Action Alert: Senate Sunday Hunting Bills Scheduled for Thursday, January 19th, 2012
We need as many letters and phone calls made to the Senate Ag committee before Thursday, January 19th, 2012, at 2:00pm. Additionally, we need as many people as possible to come to Richmond to show your support with those opposing Sunday hunting this Thursday. Learn More

Latest News and Information:

Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy in North Carolina
Please see the attached link forwarded from Dr. Broaddus in VDACS’ Office of Veterinary Services:
We were recently informed of the below linked news release regarding an Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy diagnosis on one horse in North Carolina, and wanted to pass this along to you. This is a good time to remind horse owners as general management practices to practice good biosecurity and to isolate new arrivals.
http://www.ncagr.gov/paffairs/release/2012/1-12EHV1.htm
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First Virginia Horse In 2011 Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) today announced 2011's first positive case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a horse. The horse was from Berryville/Clarke County. It had been vaccinated for WNV but was due for a booster in September.
> Read the full release here
June 3: Virginia State Veterinarian Urges Strict Biosecurity In Light Of Equine Herpes Virus-1 Outbreak
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages all horse owners to go to its website, www.vdacs.virginia.gov, for updates on the outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) in several western states. A horse button on the homepage will take readers directly into the EHV site which contains updates on the situation, as well as fact sheets and biosecurity information. VDACS recommends that horse owners and managers be aware of the signs of EHV-1 and practice good biosecurity to limit the spread of infection. Horse owners should also consult their veterinarians about the immunization status of their horses.
Read the full story
May 20 EHV-1 Update - Dr. Richard L. Wilkes, State Veterinarian with the Virginia Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), confirmed today that no horses that competed at the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Western National Championship have been traced to Virginia at this time. Read the full statement
Virginia is for Horse Lovers
When many people think of Virginia, they think of horses. The images in their minds may range from red-coated riders chasing foxes across the fields to thoroughbred races. Personally, I think of Mister, Tommy and Magic, the horses my father-in-law keeps on his farm and the ones my son and daughter ride. From 4-H Pony Clubs to million dollar race horses, we have them all in Virginia, and we love them dearly.
Read the full release
June 4, VHC and VQHA present a Historical Trail Ride on Buck Mountain in Free Union, VA.
Pre-registration is due by May 28th. Please see the brochure for more information. Download brochure
Regulations Require A Coggins Test For All Events Where Horses Gather
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that effective March 2, 2011, an updated regulation will take effect regarding the Coggins test for equine infectious anemia. The updated regulation specifies that “all horses assembled at a show, fair, race meet or other such function or participating in any activity on properties where horses belonging to different owners may come into contact with each other in Virginia must be accompanied by a report of an official negative test for equine infectious anemia.” Read the full press release here.
Download the VHC 2011 Legislative Policies
Virginia Horse Council Announces New Insurance Program for Members
The Virginia Horse Council(VHC) is offering an exciting new member benefit. The VHC has established an Excess Liability Insurance Program with Equisure, Inc., which offers Horse Council members liability coverage in the amount of $1 million for horse-related activities.

The cost of the policy per annual membership is relatively low and, if an equine-related incident occurred, this insurance would help to protect members or anyone riding members’ horses up to the $1 million policy amount. Annual cost of the policy is $25 for individuals and $45 for families. If an individual decides to purchase the insurance coverage, this fee is in addition to their regular VHC membership dues. > Continue reading
Looking for new ways to promote your business in this
tough economy?
Consider “partnering” with the Virginia Horse Council. The VHC is inviting businesses to offer discounts/coupons/or other incentives to new members joining the VHC and to current members who will be renewing their memberships in January. Please see the contract and benefits of such a partnership including expanding your customer base in the VA horse industry. For more information, contact Gene Stone.
Many horse owners are concerned about what carcass disposal options are available to them in Virginia. Virginia Cooperative Extension, along with partner agencies, put together a publication outlining options for livestock owners and made this information available online. Please read for information and guidelines on burial, composting, etc.

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