EC has released the proposed changes to their competition rulebooks for 2027. The rules cover general rules for competitions as well as discipline-specific rules and regulations.

Horse owners in Manitoba play an important role in keeping our community safe—both for the horses we love and the animals we meet at shows. One key part of that is vaccination. Equine Influenza and Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1 and EHV-4) are contagious diseases that can spread quickly in shared environments such as barns, trailers, warm-up areas, and competition grounds.

Equestrian Canada sets the vaccination requirements for horses attending EC-sanctioned competitions across Canada including Royal Manitoba Winter Fair (March 29-April 3, 2027). These rules protect horses, support responsible biosecurity, and help reduce the risk of outbreaks that can disrupt shows and, more importantly, threaten equine health.

What’s happening for 2027?
The vaccination window is not changing dramatically, but the focus of the rule is becoming clearer and more consistent. For 2026, the requirement is primarily based on timing: horses must have been vaccinated within a specified period before arriving at an event, and they cannot be vaccinated within the final seven days before arrival.

For 2027 (proposed changes to Article A519), the rule strengthens the expectation that horses are on a current, regular vaccination program, not only that they were vaccinated in time for a single event. In other words, owners are encouraged—and required—to keep booster schedules up to date with the guidance of their veterinarian and vaccine label recommendations, with documentation maintained through standardized vaccination records.

Here are the practical requirements to remember for 2027:

• Horses must be on a regular vaccination program for Equine Influenza and EHV-1 & EHV-4, as recommended by their veterinarian.
• Horses must be vaccinated within 6 months and 21 days before arrival at the competition.
• Vaccinations must not occur within seven clear days of arrival (the day of vaccination is counted as day 0).
• Vaccines also must not be administered at the competition venue for EC-sanctioned events—so plan ahead.
• Horses that cannot receive vaccination for medical reasons must have a veterinarian’s letter on official letterhead submitted with the entry form.

Competition management may ask for supporting documentation to confirm compliance. In some medical situations, additional information—such as a temperature log—may be requested.

Why the change matters
The goal is simple: regular vaccination helps ensure horses arrive with ongoing protection, reducing the likelihood of disease spread during events. A well-managed vaccination program also prevents last-minute scheduling issues that can leave horses ineligible to compete.

What you can do now

• Review your horse’s vaccination records.
• Speak with your veterinarian to confirm the next booster date based on your vaccine product.
• Avoid relying on “just before the show” vaccination plans—remember, boosters cannot be given within the final seven clear days before arrival, and vaccinations are not to be given at EC-sanctioned competitions.
• If you are planning on competing at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair (March 29-April 3, 2027), now is the time to talk to your veterinarian and ensure that your horse(s) is vaccinated.

Manitoba Horse Council member clubs and show organizers will be communicating these expectations to help owners prepare. If you’re unsure whether your horse’s vaccination schedule meets the requirement, contact your veterinarian early - timely planning is the easiest way to stay compliant and keep our equestrian community healthy.

Ø  “These requirements help protect horses and event biosecurity by ensuring regular vaccination schedules—not just last-minute compliance.