Red Rock Park Closes Horse Stall Rentals After EHV 1 Outbreak

Red Rock Park issued a public notice on November 25, 2025 that it had implemented an immediate and temporary closure of all horse stall rentals in response to a confirmed outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus 1 in the region. The closure applies to overnight boarding, day use stalls and any related equine facilities at the park located at 5757 Red Rock Park Drive in Church Rock. Park management directed patrons to contact the park for further guidance and referred to state and veterinary containment and biosecurity guidance.

The action was logged as a civic alert on the City of Gallup Civic Alerts page and provides contact information for inquiries at (505) 722 3839 and rrpadmin@co.mckinley.nm.us. The notice made clear the closure was meant to limit transmission while public health and animal health authorities assess and coordinate containment measures.

The immediate impact is concentrated among McKinley County horse owners who use Red Rock Park for boarding and day use, local vendors who supply feed and farrier services, and organizers who schedule equine events. For owners who rely on the park for overnight stabling, the closure creates an urgent need to find alternate boarding options, which may be limited in availability and could increase costs. The closure also raises concerns about the potential spread of the virus beyond the park, and about how quickly testing and trace investigations can be completed.

From a governance perspective the notice highlights the role of municipal park management in animal disease response and the need for clear communication about reopening criteria. Residents and stakeholders will look to county and state veterinary authorities for updates on containment progress, guidance on biosecurity practices, and timelines for lifting restrictions. Transparency on testing results, criteria for resuming stall rentals, and support for affected owners will be important to managing both animal health and community impacts.

Park patrons should consult the City of Gallup Civic Alerts page for the full notice and contact Red Rock Park directly for specific instructions on animal movement, temporary boarding alternatives and next steps as authorities work to contain the outbreak.