SPECIAL PRESS RELEASE

On Saturday, July 20th during the Copper Penny I Horse Show in Estes Park, the official horse show veterinarian, Dr. Michael Suit, examined a horse that had a small abrasion on its lip. Due to recent concerns of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) outbreaks in Colorado, and after consultation with the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office, samples were taken from this horse, along with the four other horses in the same barn. In addition, at the recommendation of the State Veterinarian's Office, the affected horse was immediately removed from the fairgrounds and relocated to a location down the mountain where no other horses were boarded. The test samples were submitted to the laboratory for testing and as of Tuesday morning, all five samples have returned negative for VS.

The Copper Penny Horse Shows have exercised the utmost in due diligence by verifying health certificates, dated five days or less prior to arrival at the show, and conducting a physical examination of every horse as it steps off the trailer by the official horse show veterinarian. In the words of Dr. Suit, "the fairgrounds are probably the safest place to bring your horse right now." The horse show shall continue this practice to insure that all of its equine athletes are as safe as they can be. The horse show encourages those planning to show this week to do so, as all available measures are being taken to insure the health and safety of the horses.

IMPORTANT EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION FOR THE ESTES PARK HORSE SHOWS

The Estes Park Horse Shows have decided to follow the lead set by the Colorado Horse Park of requiring health certificates, dated within five (5) days of arrival, for each horse competing at any of the Estes Park Horse Shows, including the Copper Penny I & II, as well as the Estes Park Festival I & II. This requirement is also in effect for any horses arriving for the USHJA / CHJA Member Benefits Clinic as well. This certificate will cover your initial arrival and your stay. If your horse leaves at any time and you wish to return, you must have another certificate dated within five (5) days of your return. Please be prepared to present these certificates for each horse upon your arrival and prior to unloading your horses on the show grounds. This procedure will remain in effect unless changes are announced by the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office. Please feel free to email CEP at cepshows@aol.com if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your understanding as we strive to protect our equine athletes.

Prizelist and all forms available at CEPshows.com