For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Julie Banner Director of Marketing & Education 540-687-6542 x25 jbanner@nationalsporting.org
National Sporting Library & Museum to Host Program
Exploring the Hidden Link Between Wildlife and Horse Health
Veterinarians Jen Riley, DVM, and Christine Adams, DVM, Join Forces with Blue Ridge Wildlife Center for a One Health Conversation on March 19
MIDDLEBURG, VA, February 19, 2026— The National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) will host When Wildlife Health Becomes Horse Health: Understanding the Hidden Connections on Wednesday, March 19, from 5 to 7 pm. Presented in partnership with the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center of Boyce, Virginia, the evening will bring together two leading veterinarians for a timely exploration of how wildlife research and rehabilitation directly protect the horses we love.
Many of today’s most concerning equine diseases originate in wildlife populations. From West Nile Virus to tick-borne illnesses, the health threats facing wild animals frequently foreshadow risks to domestic horses—and to humans. Wildlife rehabilitation and research serve as a critical early warning system, monitoring emerging diseases through a One Health approach that recognizes the interconnected well-being of animals, people, and the environment. This program reveals the vital connections that most horse owners have never considered.
Veterinarians Jen Riley, DVM, and Christine Adams, DVM, will examine current equine diseases of concern, including West Nile Virus (WNV), tick-borne diseases, Echinococcus multilocularis, toxoplasmosis, and rabies. Their discussion will illuminate how monitoring wildlife health offers an invaluable window into emerging threats to the equine community—and what horse owners, veterinary professionals, and conservationists can do about it.
Adding a special dimension to the evening, Blue Ridge Wildlife Center will bring a live animal ambassador: Mocha, a resident skunk, who will offer a memorable introduction to the world of wildlife rehabilitation and the animals at the center of this important research.
The evening begins with a cocktail reception from 5 to 5:45 pm, followed by the presentation and an engaging audience Q&A. Whether you are a horse owner, veterinary professional, or conservation enthusiast, this program offers essential insights into protecting equine health through wildlife stewardship.
“The health of our horses does not exist in isolation. By understanding what is happening in the wildlife around us, we gain a powerful tool for protecting the animals—and people—we care about most. We are thrilled to bring this conversation to the NSLM community.”
— Reid O'Connor, NSLM, Deputy Director & Chief Development Officer
EVENT DETAILS
Program: When Wildlife Health Becomes Horse Health: Understanding the Hidden Connections
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 5–7 pm (Cocktail Reception 5–5:45 pm; Program 5:45–7 pm)
Location: National Sporting Library & Museum, Middleburg, Virginia
Presented in Partnership with: Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, Boyce, Virginia
Special Guest: Mocha the Skunk (live animal ambassador from Blue Ridge Wildlife Center)
Tickets: NSML Members $15, Non-Members $20
Purchase tickets
About Blue Ridge Wildlife Center
The mission of Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is to protect and conserve native wildlife by integrating veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, public education, professional training, and research.
About the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM)
Founded in 1954, the NSLM is located in Middleburg, the heart of Virginia’s beautiful hunt country. The inviting, 6-acre campus, world-class research Library, and fine art Museum highlight the rich heritage and tradition of country pursuits. Angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, foxhunting, flat racing, polo, coaching, and wildlife are among the subjects one can explore in the institution’s general stacks, rare book holdings, archives, and art collection. The NSLM offers a wide variety of educational programs, exhibitions, and family activities throughout the year.
The Library & Museum are open Thursday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm. Library admission is free of charge.
