Christmas de los Caballos Parade canceled due to horse virus

CORRALES — Horses get sick, and unfortunately for Corrales, it means no parade this weekend.

According to a social media post by the village of Corrales, there has been an outbreak of EHV-1, or equine herpes virus, in neighboring states with links back to New Mexico. Texas and Idaho have reported several EHV cases.

Late Friday afternoon, after Corrales announced the cancelation, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case in New Mexico. The Doña Ana County horse attended the 2025 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas, held Nov. 5-9. It has been isolated from other horses and is improving with supportive veterinary care, NMDA noted in its release.

"EHV-1 is a common, highly contagious virus that affects horses, donkeys and mules. It spreads through respiratory secretions, shared equipment, trailers and contaminated environments," NMDA noted. "While it cannot infect humans, the virus can cause respiratory illness, abortions, foal death and the serious neurologic condition EHM in horses. Symptoms may include fever, nasal discharge, cough, lethargy, hindlimb weakness, difficulty rising, loss of tail tone, urinary retention and — in severe cases — inability to stand."

"(Corrales Equine Advisory Commission), along with the fire department and Corrales Horse and Mule People, has made the decision to cancel this weekend's parade. This is for the best interest of all of our animals, even if they have not traveled out of state or been in contact with an animal, or human, that has traveled to infected premises," the Corrales announcement reads.

However, the village is still accepting donations as if the parade were still happening.

"Please don't forget the spirit of the season tied to this event, which is to be the kickoff for the Corrales Fire Department Toy, Food, and Clothing Drive! We strongly encourage members of the community to donate to the cause as if you were riding this weekend so that this season of giving can get started in the best way possible," it states.

Donations can be dropped off at the main Corrales Fire Department station. Cash or checks made out to Corrales Kiwanis are welcome in addition to toy or clothing donations, it added.

"We are thankful for each member of our community for their continued support of this event each year and thank everyone for understanding the decision to cancel to keep everyone, especially our horses, safe," it reads.