Spring MET III cancelled following the EHV-1 outbreak in Valencia

Following the recent Equine Herpes Virus outbreak – EHV-1 neurological form – at the CES Valencia Spring Tour, the organising committee of the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour in Oliva Nova, Spain, has decided to cancel Spring MET III that was scheduled to run from 9-28th of March 2021. This decision has been made for the safety and the welfare of the horses.

We have been deeply distressed by the recent updates coming from Valencia, where several horses are fighting for their lives and where some have already lost the battle. Like all of you, we feel deeply for the horses that have contracted this horrible virus. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by the outbreak, and to all those who do everything they can to save the lives of the horses.

Earlier today, the FEI sent out an update on the EHV-1 outbreak, where they stated that we currently are experiencing what is probably “the most serious EHV-1 outbreak in Europe for decades”. Furthermore, the FEI communicated that this strain of EHV-1 is particularly aggressive and there are now confirmed related outbreaks in France, Belgium and Germany.

With all this recent information in hand, the MET organizing committee saw no other option but to cancel Spring MET III – to help prevent further spread of the virus. We all have to do our part in order to get the situation under control, and act responsibly.

For any questions from riders entered for the show, please contact the MET show office on: metshowoffice@olivanova.com

We stay in close contact with the Spanish Equestrian Federation as we follow the development on the outbreak, and we hope to welcome horses, grooms and riders back to Oliva Nova soon.