McKinley County Closes Red Rock Park Equine Facilities Over EHV-1 Outbreak

McKinley County officials have announced a temporary shutdown of all horse-related facilities at Red Rock Park, a 640-acre public park east of Gallup known for sandstone cliffs, two campgrounds, hiking trails and an outdoor arena. The county statement notes, "All Equine Facilities at Red Rock Park are closed until further notice due to the EHV-1 outbreak in the region." Park features that serve broader recreation and cultural needs, including the Red Rock Park Museum and popular trails such as Pyramid Rock and Church Rock, remain part of the park's operations, while equine activities are restricted.

The closure directly affects the park’s outdoor arena, which hosts the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial and rodeos. Those events, along with informal gatherings and training sessions, rely on the arena and nearby horse facilities. For many local horse owners, including members of tribal communities for whom horses hold cultural and economic importance, the restriction creates immediate logistical and financial challenges. Campground reservation guidance and the park’s event calendar for January 2026 remain available for other park users, but access to equine infrastructure is curtailed to reduce disease spread.

EHV-1 is a contagious virus among horses that can cause respiratory illness, abortion in pregnant mares, and in some cases a neurological form that leads to severe outcomes. The virus spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact and contaminated equipment, tack, trailers and human clothing or hands that carry infectious material. Equine herpesviruses are not known to infect people; the primary public health concern is animal health, animal welfare and the downstream economic impact on communities that host equine events.

Local implications extend beyond animal health. Reduced equine activity at Red Rock Park can depress revenues for vendors, outfitters and small businesses that depend on rodeos and ceremonial gatherings. Rural households with limited access to veterinary care may face inequitable impacts if quarantine or removal of animals imposes costs they cannot absorb. Public health and animal health officials increasingly point to the need for coordinated responses that include rapid veterinary outreach, accessible testing and clear compensation or support mechanisms for owners who lose animals or income under quarantine orders.

For now, county managers urge horse owners and event organizers to follow biosecurity guidance, monitor animals for fever or neurological signs and consult private or regional veterinary services. The closure underscores gaps in rural animal health infrastructure and highlights the broader public policy need for investment in veterinary surge capacity and equitable supports for tribal and low-income owners who shoulder disproportionate burdens during outbreaks. McKinley County officials recommend checking park notices for updates on reopening and reservation adjustments as the situation evolves.