Exhibitor Alert: Capital Challenge Horse Show Enforcing Biosecurity Protocols

For Immediate Release 

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. 

Upper Marlboro, MD – September 10, 2013 - The 2013 Capital Challenge Horse Show (CCHS), presented by The Gochman Family, would like to alert all exhibitors that specific biosecurity protocols have been put in place for everyone’s safety at this year’s show and will be strictly enforced. Biosecurity forms are mandatory for all competitors and can be found along with all other competition forms on the competitors page of the Capital Challenge website. 

The Capital Challenge Horse Show will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The 2013 dates are Saturday, September 28, through Sunday, October 6. The show opens with the Equitation Weekend, presented by BigEq.com, and continues Monday, September 30, through Sunday, October 6, with the USEF “AA” rated event. 

The complete prize list is available for download on the official horse show website www.capitalchallenge.org. In addition to the entry blank, also available for download are: the feed and bedding pre-order forms, stabling request forms, and the Biosecurity Protocols. 

All necessary precautions are being taken to ensure that competitors arrive healthy and happy, and horse show manager Oliver Kennedy is working hard to make the process as easy as possible. 

“Horses arriving to the show will not be allowed off their trailers without the necessary paperwork,” Kennedy stated.”The horse show has added knowledgeable staff to help with the process and create a quick system of checking and unloading. We ask that all exhibitors be prepared with up-to-date vaccinations and paperwork so that things can move quickly and easily.” 

Regarding Biosecurity Protocols for horses arriving at Prince George's Equestrian Center, it is Mandatory that all horses have the following paperwork dated no earlier than September 22, 2013. Proper paperwork will need to be presented prior to horses unloading. Horses will not be allowed into their stalls until paperwork is presented. 

This includes: 

1. A Statement of Health signed by a licensed veterinarian dated no earlier than September 22, 2013. It MUST certify that the horse has: 

• Been enrolled in a regular and consistent program of vaccination against EHV – 1 and EHV-4 with the most recent booster being within 120 days (since June 6, 2013);

• Has not shown symptoms of, nor been treated for, EHV – 1 and or EHV-4 within the past 28 days; and 

• Has not been exposed to any horses that have been treated for or shown symptoms of EHV – 1 and or EHV-4 within the past 28 days. 

2. A separate CCHS statement of health including a temperature log of the seven days prior to arrival for each horse, is required. A form for this purpose is available online at www.capitalchallenge.org. 

Please check the Capital Challenge website prior to shipping for arrival procedures and any updated requirements and paperwork. 

The Capital Challenge Horse Show looks forwards to welcoming horses and riders for its 20th year of exceptional competition. For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org or visit the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook!