Classes resumed today at the the University of Findlay’s James L. Child Jr. Equestrian Complex, which has been under quarantine since the weekend of Jan. 18 because of an outbreak of equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV-1).

The University has followed the guidelines and advice of George Allen, PhD, of the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky, a leading researcher on EHV-1. Allen said that the recommended quarantine period is until 21 days after the last fever is detected. In addition, the stalls, barns, arenas, and veterinary hospital (also a part of the English riding facility) have been disinfected.

Students were excited to return to the James L. Child Jr. Equestrian Complex following their spring break. Junior and senior equestrian students have been involved in lessons for the past few weeks at the Child Equestrian Complex, and the freshmen and sophomores have been utilizing an annex farm leased by The University of Findlay for their riding classes. Most horses have resumed work, and three are still convalescing and will return to work in the fall.

Many people have asked how they can help. The students are hosting a raffle to create a memorial in the memory of the horses that have been lost. Additional funds collected will be used toward the program.

A memorial service will be scheduled in the near future for the benefit of students and all those wishing to remember the horses. For information about the raffle or donations, please contact Lissa Guyton in the Office of Development at 419/434-4078.