A Welsh show is standing by its decision not to insist horses attending its competition are vaccinated against equine flu – as fresh outbreaks continue to be confirmed.
The society of the Pontardulais show, which takes place on 26 August at the show park in Pontardulais, Swansea, announced in May that owners are advised to vaccinate against flu – but said it was not obligatory.
In a statement on 26 May the society said: “After careful consideration, the society advises that owners of all equines other than foals under six months old, taking part in the show have all entries properly vaccinated against equine influenza.
“However this is not obligatory. Animals that are not vaccinated may also be entered and compete. No passports will be checked for up to date vaccination.
“We do ask that you ensure that your horses are fit and well prior to departure to the show and do not compete if they are showing any signs of equine influenza in order that this is not passed on to other competitor’s animals.”
On 1 August the society announced it would be standing by its original decision.
“Following discussion at last night’s committee meeting, the committee decided to abide by the decision made at May’s meeting,” said the statement.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“This was not a decision made by the secretary or by any individual member of the committee. It was a decision made by the committee present at the meeting.”
Chairman of the Pontardulais show society Trevor Thomas told H&H yesterday (7 August) the committee “did not feel it was necessary” to enforce vaccinations.
“We have left it up to the owners to make the decision whether they come to the show or not,” he said.
“The secretary spoke to the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and we were told it was up to the discretion of our committee and we have decided to go ahead as advertised in the beginning.”
The society’s announcement on social media has received a mixed reaction with many people calling the decision “irresponsible” and “shocking”, saying they will not be attending as a result.
Latest figures show 219 outbreaks of equine flu have been confirmed, three in the first week of August. One outbreak in Neath Port Talbot on 1 August is around 15 miles from Pontardulais.
A spokesman for the AHT told H&H their advice remains the same; owners should remain vigilant and show organisers are encouraged to make vaccination mandatory.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
