10/31/2026
Nothings spookier than Strangles!! Happy Halloween to us.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to approach this topic because the last thing I want to do is spread misinformation, make assumptions about someone else’s decisions, or target anyone specifically.
That being said, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hurt by how this situation has unfolded. As someone who boards horses and operates a program out of the same facility, my responsibility extends beyond my own horses. It includes my clients, their horses, and the responsibility we all share to protect the equine community around us.
I can’t speak for anyone else, nor can I assume I know the reasoning behind their choices. What I can do is use this situation as an opportunity to talk about something incredibly important: equine biosecurity and infection control.
When it comes to contagious diseases like strangles, communication, transparency, and appropriate precautions are essential. If you suspect your horse is sick, know your horse has been exposed, or receive confirmation of a contagious disease, it’s important to act quickly, limit potential exposure to other horses, and involve your veterinarian to determine the appropriate next steps.
Strangles is not something to take lightly. It can spread between horses and through contaminated equipment, clothing, hands, and shared environments. Even seemingly small oversights can have consequences for an entire barn.
This isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about understanding that horse ownership comes with a responsibility to the horses around us, too.
Please take the time to educate yourself on appropriate quarantine procedures, disinfection, isolation, and communication when dealing with a potentially contagious illness. If your horse is suspected of having or is diagnosed with strangles, work with your veterinarian and follow the appropriate biosecurity guidance before allowing contact with other horses or returning to shared facilities.
Protecting our horses takes all of us. It takes communication, responsible decision-making, and a willingness to put the health and safety of the entire herd first.
I hope this serves as a reminder that biosecurity isn’t optional, and that doing the right thing sometimes means taking precautions even when it’s inconvenient. Our horses depend on us to make those decisions for them. 🤍
