Latest from Horse & Hound in Stable-fires

‘I knew the stables were on fire’: devastation for rider and children as years of work lost in yard ‘inferno’

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 16:20:35 +0000

The owner of a yard that was built over the years brick by brick but was destroyed in minutes when it became an “inferno” has paid tribute to the kindness of those who rallied round to support her and her young children.

Helen du Hearne lost her lorry, her stables and decades’ worth of tack, rugs and equipment when her yard went up in flames on Saturday (26 July). Her horses were all out, so none were harmed.

“I haven’t eaten or slept since,” Helen told H&H. “It’s devastating.”

Helen said she was about to go to bed when her motion-activated CCTV of the yard started pinging at about 11pm.

“All it shows is the gate and I could see a glow,” she said. “I had a gut feeling; I knew the stables were on fire. I opened the door and could see the smoke billowing from the yard, a field away.

“I called 999 and drove across in my pyjamas, and it was just an inferno.”

As Helen got there, she saw that at least her quad bike, parked by the shipping container that served as her tack room, was unmarked.

“But in front of my eyes, that caught fire too,” she said. “It exploded and set fire to the container – and we lost everything.

“We bought the land over 10 years ago and had built it bit by bit; I’d work some overtime and do a bit, sell a horse and do a bit more, and now it’s gone. Every bridle and saddle, rugs we’d won at championships, the bit collection – I didn’t even have a hoofpick or a sponge.”

The lorry was packed for the last day of Pony Club camp on Sunday so everything her children Maisey, 10 and Rory, eight, had in terms of tack and clothing has gone, but Helen said as the whole place was destroyed, it did not matter where it had been.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Maisey has qualified for the British Showjumping National Championships and the Pony Club championships; she’s worked so hard to qualify and she’s got nothing,” she said.

Helen added that she suspects the fire may have been started deliberately.

“I don’t like to think that but I realised afterwards that the shipping container was open, and the lorry, and I hadn’t left them like that,” she said. “The fire brigade thinks it started in the corner of the stables and there was no hay there. There was nothing electrical that could have caused it.”

A fundraising page set up by a friend has reached over £4,000, and Helen said she has been overwhelmed by others’ support.

The fundraising page is online now

“The lorry was insured but the premises weren’t,” she said. “We did it all ourselves and now we’ve got to start again. Thankfully the horses are fine but it’s devastating.

“But the community has been amazing; I’ve had people offering lifts, the Pony Club area nine has given me £100 for each of them for a new hat; the Pony Club has been amazing.

“I’ve helped people, and now people are helping me; I’m sure they would have done it for anyone but it shows that kindness breeds kindness, and I can’t get over the kindness people have shown.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Tori Peter)

‘It went up in a fireball’: Stallion saved from burning box on A1

'There we were, standing on the A1, with articulated lorries doing emergency stops, and the wagon just went up'

(Image credit: Tori Peter)

‘Another few minutes and it would have killed the horses’: coach speaks out on why stable yard fire safety plans are essential

(Image credit: Tori Peter)

‘We were lucky’: rider’s safety warning after birds’ nests almost cause lorry fire

“There are lots of normal people like me who just get in the lorry, put the horse on and off

(Image credit: Tori Peter)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Young rider honoured for bravery after rescuing four horses from fire: ‘I just wanted to save them’

Lucy Elder — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:39:22 +0000

A teenager saved the lives of four horses after a neighbouring barn went up in flames.

Blanka Bodi, 16, and her mother Réka Lestyán, who live in Hungary, were travelling home from a showjumping show when Réka spotted smoke coming from a building near the town of Szarvas.

“We were getting close to our home town, when on the right-hand side I saw huge smoke, very dark smoke, coming from a farm,” said Réka, who was driving while Blanka was asleep in the passenger seat. “I yelled, ‘Fire! Blanka, wake up!’”

They pulled over and Réka called the fire service as she and her daughter ran to help. A hay barn was on fire and there were horses in nearby stables, just a few meters away. The panicked onlookers and Réka started to carry as much water as they could to try and prevent the fire from spreading.

Blanka, who has ridden since she was a young child, told H&H that the fire was burning really fast and people were screaming and shouting.

“I got to the first horse, he was really panicked and didn’t want to come out at first – they were all young horses. So I calmed him down and said, ‘Come with me, let’s go outside!’ He was the closest to the fire, so the hardest to bring out,” she said.

As Blanka brought the first horse out, the roof of the hay barn collapsed. The terrified horse tried to pull away and Blanka received rope burns to her hands, but did not let go. She handed the horse to someone else and went back for the next, rescuing each of the four in turn.

“I didn’t want anything to happen to the horses – I wasn’t thinking about myself. I just wanted to save them and help them get to safety. Someone had to,” said Blanka. “I was a bit scared, but mostly because of the horses. We were feeding off each other’s energy. I was more nervous that they might get loose or run off, so my fear was really about them – not the fire.”

Blanka’s bravery was recognised by Hungary’s Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, who honoured her courage in a presentation at the Hungarian Derby meeting at Kincsem Park.

From left: Blanka Bodi, her mother Réka Lestyán, and Hungarian Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I didn’t think it was such a big thing – and I still don’t,” said Blanka. “People congratulating me is nice, but I don’t feel like it was anything extraordinary. I just had to do it.”

Réka said: “As a parent, I saw her from a very new angle. I had no idea she was capable of this, so I think she is capable of doing anything.

“We did what our hearts were telling us to do.”

Blanka Bodi, pictured with one of her own horses. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fire safety tips

The British Horse Society (BHS) recommends having an evacuation plan that is well rehearsed and known by everyone on the yard.

Keep firefighting equipment on the yard and keep it regularly maintained
Ensure all combustible materials such as bedding, hay, and straw are stored away from stables
Ensure electrics are tested at least once a year by a qualified electrician
Ensure gangways and escape routes are kept clear
Have headcollars available outside in case of evacuation
Signpost or number evacuation paddock gates and recorded which stables need to be evacuated into which paddock. In the case of evacuation, always start with the horses closest to the fire
If a fire breaks out, call the fire and rescue service immediately.

For more fire safety advice from the BHS, visit: https://www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare/health-care-management/stable-safety/stable-fires/

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Everything had gone’: riders watch in horror as fire sweeps through stables

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:51:17 +0000

Riders who lost “everything but the hay and the wheelbarrow” when a devastating fire swept through their yard said they are just lucky their horses were unscathed.

Michelle Marriot and her partner Frazer Guy arrived at their yard in Nottinghamshire on Tuesday (4 March) to find the fire brigade already there, and their tack room and stables destroyed.

Michelle told H&H that luckily, their horses Bonnie and Clyde were in the fields at the time.

“Everything else can be replaced,” she said. “You can’t replace your life.”

A fundraising page has been set up to support Michelle and Frazer.

Michelle said she and Frazer had a phone call at just after midday to say there was smoke coming from their yard.

“Luckily we run our own business, two to three minutes away, so we started driving,” she said. “We saw smoke first but thought it was coming from the wrong direction – then came round the roundabout and saw it was coming from the yard, and it was black.”

Michelle thanked the off-duty firefighter who had called the fire service; two crews were already at the yard by the time they got there.

“As soon as I got there, I was over the fence ‘Where are the horses?’” she said. “They were right there but I couldn’t really process it at first. Then I just stood there, staring: ‘That’s gone, that’s gone’ – everything had gone.”

Bonnie, left, and Clyde were out of harm’s way (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Michelle said they had a shipping container as a tack room with solar panels on the roof to charge batteries.

“What’s supposed to happen, and always had happened, is that once the batteries are charged, it’s supposed to stop,” she said. “But this time, for whatever reason, it didn’t stop charging them and the batteries blew up.

“The fire must have contained itself for a while as it was in a metal box but the stables were right next to it, so it went through all four. There was a water tank at the other end, which had started melting, but luckily it hadn’t got to our hay. All the straw’s gone as that was in one of the stables, but we’ve got the hay – hay and a wheelbarrow left, and that’s it.”

Michelle added that had the malfunction occurred overnight, when the horses were in, the story could have been far worse.

She said Bonnie had a lightweight rug on but everything else; saddles, bridles, rugs, feed and everything else they owned, was in the tack room. She estimates the equipment lost was worth £3-4,000, not to mention the stables.

“We haven’t really looked into it yet but we know a really good joiner so we’re going to look at beg, steal and borrow!” she said. “Buying a new block like that would be £6-7,000.”

A friend, Roy Boulton, has set up a GoFundMe page for Frazer and Michelle, which has already raised nearly £2,900, for which Michelle said they are enormously grateful.

“The horse world can be bad sometimes – but we know when to come together, don’t we?” she said.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Another few minutes and it would have killed the horses’: coach speaks out on why stable yard fire safety plans are essential

Becky Murray — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 20:33:45 +0000

A coach whose yard went up in flames in minutes has spoken about the importance of having a fire safety plan – and for everyone on the yard to be aware of it.

CCTV footage captured how quickly a fire spread at Tori Peter’s private yard in Lancashire when a hay store caught fire in September. Smoke could be seen at 5.59am, and by 6.11am flames had grown to “almost 30 feet”.

Tori had friends staying with their horses for training, and when one got up to feed them she discovered the fire and raised the alarm. Under Tori’s instruction, all the horses were safely evacuated from their smoke-filled stables to the arena, before the fire service arrived within seven minutes of being contacted.

“The roof lining of the stables attached to the hay store was on fire and the flames were spreading along the roof above the horses. Another five or 10 minutes and the smoke would have killed them, never mind the flames,” Tori told H&H.

Tori’s yard CCTV captured how quickly the fire grew:

Pictured above: CCTV footage showed smoke at 5.59am. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Pictured above: The fire just eight minutes later. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Pictured above: By 6.11am the flames had grown to almost 30 feet. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“There was no fuel or chemicals stored in the barn, thank God, but there was a quad parked about three metres from the barn and that melted, the windows and gutters melted. Everything had gone.”

Tori had a fire plan but said as it was close friends staying, she had not thought to tell them the procedure.

“I have everything that’s required; the correct fire extinguishers, fire blankets and bells, but because I hadn’t briefed my friends they didn’t know what to do or what the process was,” she said.

“I had to tell them which horses to evacuate first, and where to put them. You never know how people will react in an emergency and it was mayhem. Afterwards my friend said how good it was that I had a plan, but had she not got up, I wouldn’t have been able to put my plan into action.”

Now forensics have concluded, determining that the fire had been started either by a cigarette being flicked from the road that overlooks the yard or from straw combusting, Tori has spoken out to urge others to have plans, and make others aware of these plans, and fire drills.

“What happened was horrendous, but the horses were fine and if we can get more people to be safe then that’s a positive,” said Tori, adding that since the incident, when she has asked others about fire plans she has been concerned by how many do not have them or hold fire drills.

“Stables are often made from wood, there is hay, straw, electricals – we need to be having fire drills,” she said. “The CCTV footage shows how quickly the fire spread; you don’t have time to mess around. And it’s not just having one plan, you need multiple depending on where the fire starts. And an important part is making sure that others know your plan, because what if you’re not there?”

Tori posted the CCTV images on Facebook, and they have been shared more than 7,400 times.

“I’ve had a lot of people approach me to thank me for sharing it because either they didn’t have a fire plan, or they did and no one else knew it,” she said.

Although the fire was not started by an electrical fault, Tori has since had her yard rewired, rebuilt and moved her barn, and she now keeps hay in a lined shipping container. She has also employed Aurora Group Services to provide 24/7 CCTV monitoring.

“We can’t be outside watching over everything all the time so the CCTV monitoring has been a game-changer and only costs £20 per week,” she said. “After the fire I was worried about being in the house and not being able to see the stables, I was worried about going to work, and I was getting up through the night to view the CCTV to check that everything was OK. It’s only since I’ve had the monitoring that I’ve been able to relax.

“I’ve been alerted when a gate is left open, or someone arrives on the yard, and in the event of a fire they will instantly phone the fire brigade. When I’m at home alone overnight I feel more secure knowing there is someone watching over everything.”

Oonagh Meyer, head of operations for approved centres at the British Horse Society (BHS), reminded equestrians that holding and recording fire drills is a legal requirement for businesses.

“The risk of a fire at yards is an all too real danger that we must be prepared for,” she told H&H. “Fires can spread extremely quickly and cause irreparable damage, which sadly can lead to fatalities – whether that be a horse, a person or both.

“The BHS recommends that any yard owner, worker or equestrian prepares and familiarises themselves with a fire action plan. Holding regular drills will also mean that everyone on the yard, at any time, will know what to do in the event of a fire.”

Fire safety tips

The BHS recommends having an evacuation plan that is well rehearsed and known by everyone on the yard.

Keep firefighting equipment on the yard and keep it regularly maintained
Ensure all combustible materials such as bedding, hay, and straw are stored away from stables
Ensure electrics are tested at least once a year by a qualified electrician
Ensure gangways and escape routes are kept clear
Have headcollars available outside in case of evacuation
Signpost or number evacuation paddock gates and recorded which stables need to be evacuated into which paddock. In the case of evacuation, always start with the horses closest to the fire
If a fire breaks out, call the fire and rescue service immediately.

Find out more about what you can do to protect your yard from fires at www.bhs.org.uk.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Devastation as horse dies in third deliberate fire at stud

Becky Murray — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:43:21 +0000

A horse has died and another seriously injured in an arson attack at a stud in Ireland.

Horan Stud Farm, Claregalway, was targeted at about 9pm to 10pm on 31 December.

Owner Owen Horan told H&H his daughter, who lives near the yard, saw the flames.

“My daughter rang me and said there was a fire on the yard again. This is the third time someone has done this in 14 months,” he said.

“She took an awful risk, she and her partner went into the smoke and opened the stable doors and got as many of them out as she could. She could have lost her life.”

Three-year-old filly HSF Stella died in the fire, and a gelding was seriously injured.

“We hope that he’ll be ok. He was in an awful state,” said Owen.

“There is a world of damage. This would have finished me if it hadn’t been for the support I’ve had from people. To rebuild from this will be very, very hard. I’m devastated, you don’t know what way to turn – you wouldn’t think anyone in the world could be as bad as that.”

A Gardai spokesman told H&H: “Gardaí in Co Galway are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire at a farm building at Cahergowan, Claregalway, at around 10.20pm on 31 December 2024.

“A horse died as a result of the fire. No other injuries were reported. The scene was preserved and a technical examination was carried out.

“Anyone, including road users and pedestrians, who was in the Cahergowan area between 9pm and 11pm on 31 December and who observed any unusual activity or may have camera footage (including dashcam), is asked to contact Oranmore Garda station on 091 388030, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘We’ve been very lucky’: owner’s safety warning after horsebox catches fire on A1

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 19:21:52 +0000

The owner of a lorry that caught fire on the A1 is appealing to others to take precautions, as she acknowledges how lucky she, her daughter and her ponies were.

Nikki Green has shared the things that helped in her situation, on 13 July, to raise awareness of the importance of the right safety measures.

Nikki told H&H she was travelling her ponies Val and Stu, with her nine-year-old daughter Lucy, for someone to ride Stu in practice for a competition.

“We were just north of junction 50 when someone pulled alongside us and was pointing at the wagon,” she said. “I couldn’t see anything, the dashboard looked fine and it felt ok – then I smelt burning rubber.

“I pulled over and checked the tyres, which were fine, then heard this funny noise. I thought the radiator had gone, looked underneath and saw sparks and flames.”

Nikki told her daughter to get out while she took the keys out and grabbed the ponies’ bridles.

“I thought ‘how am I going to hold two ponies on the side of the A1? We’ll have to flag someone down’,” she said. “This man stopped; he was driving a trailer with two in and he saw the little ‘un waving her arms, stopped and came over.

“I said ‘we’re on fire’, and he just grabbed the first pony and I put the bridle on the other one.”

Nikki praised the “amazing” man who came to her rescue; he not only helped get the ponies off, he put the fire out, using an extinguisher Nikki had in the lorry.

“He not only saved us, he saved the wagon,” Nikki said, explaining that the fire originated in the central bearing, and the damage was relatively minor.

“I don’t know if it would have burned itself out but it was getting close to the gas bottles,” she said.

Nikki said she has replayed the incident in her mind, asking whether or not she could have done anything differently. But her lorry was well maintained, and had passed its MoT a week before, and she had fire extinguishers on board.

What she will change is their positioning; one was on a bracket from which she could not free it and the smaller one, which did put the fire out, was in the living near the cooker.

“Have an extinguisher in the cab so you can grab it straight away,” she said. “I don’t think you can have too many.”

As well as having the extinguishers, Nikki pointed out, they need to be checked and serviced, and she is looking into fire safety sticks, which do not have to be held by a fire to extinguish it.

She also urges others to check their dashboards constantly; she always does so for warning lights and engine temperature, as overheating is a major cause of fires, and to have bridles or similar on board.

“Have bridles for every horse you’re travelling as you never know when you might have to get them out into traffic,” she said. “We’d been testing different bits for Stu so had a few on board, all with bridles, but I wouldn’t have thought of taking one for Val as he wasn’t doing anything. I thought afterwards, maybe I’ll have headpieces with bits, or a Chifney; they’re extreme but you want something to put over their head and take them straight off, and if they get a fright coming off the ramp with an artic coming towards you, you need to have hold of them.”

Nikki also recommends having high-vis on board for humans. in case of accidents.

“A lorry manufacturer said he’d put an extinguisher in the cab of every wagon he sells now, which is really good, and friends have messaged saying they’ve bought them; the message seems to be that people hadn’t thought about it before but they will now.

“We were so lucky in so many ways; the ponies behaved impeccably and they and my daughter are fine and there’s not much damage. We’ve been incredibly lucky.”

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Nikki Green)

‘It went up in a fireball’: Stallion saved from burning box on A1

'There we were, standing on the A1, with articulated lorries doing emergency stops, and the wagon just went up'

(Image credit: Nikki Green)

Horsebox fire at Hickstead out in minutes thanks to specialist team: ‘You’re in good hands’

(Image credit: Nikki Green)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the Paris Olympics, Royal International, Burghley and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Horsebox fire at Hickstead out in minutes thanks to specialist team: ‘You’re in good hands’

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:25:52 +0000

A horsebox fire at Hickstead that could have had grave consequences was put out in minutes thanks to the on-site specialist team.

The fire broke out on Friday, 21 June, during the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting. It is thought the cause was sunlight refracting through the lorry window on to a rug hanging inside.

Hickstead director Edward Bunn told H&H the fire engine belonging to WH Management Group, which also provides security services, was on the scene two minutes after the fire was reported. The horse area was burnt out but no horses or people were hurt.

“The fire was as good as out before the local fire service arrived,” he said.

Mr Bunn, who was in the fire service for 21 years, said the fire engine is at the All England Jumping Course at all events.

“Especially at the Royal International, we have probably 800-900 horseboxes overnight, it makes sense,” he said. “It’s good to have WH Management on site; money very well spent.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

WH Management director Doug Hinckley told H&H the incident highlights the need for riders to ensure their lorries are as safe as possible.

“Make sure you have annual electrical and gas safety checks, and have working smoke alarms fitted,” he said, adding that although this fire was thought to have been caused by sunlight, such checks could prevent other blazes, and smoke alarms could save lives of anyone sleeping in a box.

Posted by on

The team is also prepared for other incidents.

“We cut a horse out of a lorry this morning,” he said on Saturday (22 June). “It was stuck over the bar; all our clients are responsible, and have us here for large-animal rescue, firefighting and help with flooding.

“I’m delighted Hickstead has responsible event organisers who spend time and money not just on us but other contracts; medics and the vet team; you’re in good hands.”

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: WH Management Group)

‘We were lucky’: rider’s safety warning after birds’ nests almost cause lorry fire

“There are lots of normal people like me who just get in the lorry, put the horse on and off

(Image credit: WH Management Group)

The effects of fire on horses: what are the implications and can they return to health? H&H Plus

(Image credit: WH Management Group)

Fire service calls for yard owners to act after horses die in blaze

Owners have been urged to take action to minimise the risk of fire in their stables and yards

(Image credit: WH Management Group)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

Five horses die in stable fire: police investigate cause

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 17:42:32 +0000

Police and the fire service are investigating a stable fire in which five horses died.

Emergency services were called to the incident at a yard on Blue House Lane, East Boldon, Tyne and Wear, late on Monday night (22 January).

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Shortly before midnight on Monday evening, we were informed by the fire service of a fire at [the] stables.

“Emergency services attended the scene and the fire was extinguished a short time later. Sadly, five horses are believed to have died in the fire.”

The spokesman added that a full investigation into the cause of the fire, conducted with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, is now under way.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information regarding the fire should use the ‘report’ page of our website or call 101, quoting log number NP-20240122-1375,” he said.

A spokesman for the fire and rescue service confirmed that an emergency call was made about the fire at about 11.36pm.

“Five appliances from across the service were in attendance to control and extinguish the fire,” he said. “Sadly five horses lost their lives in the blaze with no persons reported [at the incident].

“We are working with our colleagues at the police to investigate the nature of the fire.”

Fire crews left the scene at 3.13am the next day.

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Family thanks those who came to their aid after horses die in devastating fire

‘We will never get back what we lost. Our whole life has been broken to pieces. At the same time

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Top rider hopes fire safety conviction will raise awareness among other employers

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 16:52:36 +0000

Top eventer Izzy Taylor said she hopes her prosecution for breaching fire safety regulations will make the industry more aware of the law, adding that she regrets mistakes she made.

Izzy was sentenced at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 2 January for failure to ensure there was an adequate risk assessment of fire, failure to protect escape routes in case of fire, failure to provide a working fire alarm and detection system, and breach of a prohibition notice. She was given a conditional discharge for three of the charges and fined £5,000 for the other.

“This has been an incredibly difficult and worrying period but I am grateful to all those who have supported me, including my loyal staff, owners and sponsors, as well as my wonderful family,” Izzy told H&H. “I regret the mistakes I made and hope we as an industry can use this to become more aware.”

A spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council said fire safety officers visited Izzy’s yard in October 2020.

“The equestrian yard was operating on the ground floor and had two flats provided for staff accommodation above on the first floor,” the spokesman said. “Following a fire at the site, a fire safety audit was conducted… and inspectors found the premises were so dangerous they were left with no alternative but to prohibit the use of the building for sleeping until safety measures were improved.

“As a consequence, they ordered the immediate removal of the occupants of the flats on safety grounds by use of a prohibition notice, so that it could not be used for sleeping.”

The council’s fire and rescue service carried out another inspection in December 2022, and found Izzy had breached the prohibition notice as staff were being allowed to sleep in the building. An investigation led to the court case.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Business owners have a legal duty to put fire safety measures in place, and we will not hesitate to take action to ensure the safety of occupants, residents and customers.”

The spokesman added: “Responsible persons must accept that they have a duty of care to ensure the accommodation they provide is safe and suitable.”

Lucy Katan, executive director of the British Grooms Association and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), told H&H that compliance with the law is not a choice.

“This applies to everything in the workplace including employment, health and safety and fire legislation,” she said. “As an employer, it is your own strict liability and responsibility to research and provide what is required for your staff. There are no excuses. There is a mountain of general guidance online, and the EEA offers bespoke equestrian-setting support and documents.”

Izzy added: “I am pleased to be able to put this chapter behind me now and I’m making exciting plans for the future. In the meantime, I’ve got some fabulous horses to compete and am looking forward to focusing on the start of the eventing season.”

‘This makes our hearts sing’: badly burned stallion unites with orphaned foal after devastating fire

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:52:13 +0000

Sometimes, even the impossible is possible.

This is the message from a charity that has nursed two badly burned stallions and an orphaned foal back to full health “against all the odds”, after a devastating fire.

H&H reported in January that three horses and a foal had been involved in a serious fire on Christmas Day, and that Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust staff had travelled 155 miles to go to their aid.

“As a thank you for everyone’s kind support, we wanted to provide our followers with an update on these two miraculous horses who are thriving, against all the odds,” a spokesman for the charity said.

“Two of the horses were stallions, Hakuna and Matata. Hakuna suffered significant burns to his back and Matata suffered significant burns over most of his body and face. Although his appearance on arrival was not too bad, the extent of his injuries became more apparent over time as the damaged skin sloughed off during his treatment.”

The mare, Mathilde, was the most badly burned and although she made significant improvements, she contracted tetanus and had to be put down, leaving her foal at foot, Zazu, an orphan.

“Matata is a very gentle stallion who immediately took Zazu under his wing, and the pair of them have been stabled together since the loss of Mathilde to ensure that Zazu has appropriate equine company in his formative months,” the spokesman said.

“If there is one thing that the GHDT is good at, it’s making the impossible, possible.

“Hakuna and Matata are examples of just two more miracles to add to the GHDT’s list and are now through the worst of their recovery process.

“Matata lost a considerable amount of his coat during recovery but is now regrowing hair over most parts of his body. His face and tail injuries are still healing but his fighting spirit shines through. Hakuna is full of mischief and loves nothing more than a flat-out blast around the paddock and he keeps his handlers on their toes!”

Recently, Matata has been well enough to join Hakuna and Zazu, for an “absolute blast in the paddock”.

“Not only can Matata move pretty fast but he has also been enjoying jumping over anything he can find too,” the spokesman said. “Not bad for a horse who just a couple of months ago had such severe burn injuries that no one was sure it was even possible for him to survive.

“Thank you to each and every person who donated towards the care of these beautiful horses – we couldn’t have done it without your support.”

Mare dies leaving orphaned foal, with other horses badly burnt in stable fire

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 17:38:59 +0000

A desperate appeal has been made by those trying to save the lives of horses who were severely burned in a fire over Christmas.

A nursing mare has since died as an indirect result of the burns she suffered, but staff and volunteers at the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust (GHDT) are caring for her foal and other horses affected.

“While the rest of us were putting our feet up and enjoying the Christmas festivities, staff and volunteers at GHDT had to cancel any plans of celebrations as they were alerted to three horses who had been seriously injured in a stable fire,” a charity spokesman said. “The horses were more than 250km away from the charity’s veterinary centre in a remote part of the country where there are no veterinary facilities.”

The GHDT had to transport the animals in a non-specialist lorry to its veterinary clinic, where the ‘hard work of treatment began”, with pain relief the priority.

“The most seriously injured was a mare with foal at foot,” the spokesman said, adding that her foal was unharmed but could no longer suckle owing to the severity of the burns to his dam’s teats.

The charity said it was “deeply saddened” that the mare contracted tetanus from her wounds and had to be put down.

GHDT director Heather Armstrong said: “The foal is now being fed by a dedicated member of the GHDT team and has thankfully taken well to this.”

“The tips of some of their ears may drop off due to the burns,” he added. “Care for these horses is round the clock and requires large quantities of medications, bandaging materials and hours and hours of staff time. For a small charity, this is a huge task but one that has been tackled head-on with the same determination this amazing charity team shows on a daily basis.”

Donate online

The charity is appealing for donations to support the care of the horses, and the many others it works with.

“People may ask why the horses were not euthanised; in many countries owners may not give permission for euthanasia,” the spokesman said. “Sometimes because of religious reasons, sometimes because they rely so heavily on their animals for their own income that to consider giving up on them is just unthinkable. Horses are a huge investment for people living in poverty and they rely heavily on their working equines to provide their family income.

“Because of this and where euthanasia is not a viable option, the GHDT team goes above and beyond to do what they can for each individual animal in their care, while keeping them as comfortable as possible. They have achieved many small miracles in the past and with your help hopefully these horses will also become little new year miracles themselves.”

Stables evacuated on ‘busiest day since World War II’ as heatwave fires take hold

Lucy Elder — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 16:17:05 +0000

Fires caused “significant” damage and yards were forced to evacuate in frightening scenes during the UK’s record-breaking heatwave yesterday (19 July).

A total of 15 fire services across Britain declared major incidents, including London, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Yorkshire and the east of England.

The National Horseracing College (NRC) sustained “significant damage” to one of its barns in a fire, started by powerlines crossing the Yorkshire site. All students, staff and horses are safe.

“The reaction of learners and staff in the face of this very challenging situation has been fantastic,” said NHC chief executive colonel Stephen Padgett.

“The fire brigade responded despite difficult conditions to minimise the damage and to prevent the incident from being any worse than it already was.

“Appreciation of and gratitude for the efforts of all involved. Business will be affected but we are already making plans to sustain operations. Onwards and upwards for the college.”

(1/3) A fire that resulted from power lines crossing the site has led to a significant incident at the NHC. Fortunately, all learners, staff and horses are safe, but there is significant damage to one of the barns. pic.twitter.com/FdW3qlqD7t(1/3) A fire that resulted from power lines crossing the site has led to a significant incident at the NHC. Fortunately, all learners, staff and horses are safe, but there is significant damage to one of the barns. pic.twitter.com/FdW3qlqD7t— National Horseracing College (@The_NHC) July 19, 2022— National Horseracing College (@The_NHC) July 19, 2022

Further south,The London Fire Brigade recorded its “busiest day since World War II”. Control took more than 2,670 calls and crews dealt with more than 1,146 incidents.

More than 40 houses and shops, as well as garages, farm buildings, vehicles and outbuildings, were destroyed after grass fires spread to buildings in the London area, which included Wennington, Dagenham and Kenton. A total of 16 firefighters were injured, and two were taken to hospital.

At least 14 properties were destroyed in Norfolk, five in Lincolnshire, and more elsewhere across the country.

In Kent, workers and volunteers helped move horses and other animals at Spirit’s Rest Animal Sanctuary to safety from a large grass fire in surrounding fields.

Serious wildfires are also affecting swathes of mainland Europe.

Thousands of people have had to leave their homes in southwest France, as violent forest fires affect the Gironde region in the southwest of the country, particularly Landiras and La Teste-de-Buch.

La Teste-de-Buch racecourse is home to 370 horses in training and the majority of these have been moved.

Racecourses at Bordeaux, Pau, Langon and Mont de Marsan, plus private yards such as Haras des Faunes and Haras de Saubouas have welcomed the equine evacuees.

A total of 15 horses remain at La Teste-de-Buch, which has now become a base for firefighters.

The situation is evolving rapidly, but course president Jacques Le Dantec gave a cautiously hopeful update in a video on Tuesday night.

He spoke of the solidarity showed by the racing and equestrian communities, who offered their help, services and transport.

He added that a 50m-wide “firewall” has been cleared to protect the racecourse from the fire, should it reach them, and plans are in place to get everyone – humans and the remaining horses – to safety should they need to leave in an emergency.

Greece, Spain and Portugal are also experiencing devastating fires connected to the heatwave.

Among those affected in Portugal was the A Palmeirinha riding centre in the Algarve, which was destroyed by fire. All horses were saved.

Yearling dies and foal burned in stable fire thought to have been started deliberately

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 20:31:26 +0000

A yearling died and a foal was lucky to survive a stable fire thought to have been caused deliberately.

Kent Police is investigating the suspected arson involving a stable in Ash, Kent, on Tuesday night (3 August). It is understood that the two young horses were inside at the time, and while the months-old foal escaped, with relatively superficial burns, the yearling did not.

Passers-by found the foal on the road and he was taken to a veterinary hospital.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He’s responding well to treatment,” one of those involved in her rescue told H&H.

“The vet said it was scorching; he’s lost her foal hair but it should grow back over most of his body. His mane’s been obliterated and there may be some scars but his prognosis seems good.”

The rescuer said the foal is thought to be months old.

“He’s tiny,” she said. “He was lucky to get out as he’d have been a fireball.

“Nothing surprises me any more but this shocked me. The lady who found him was in tears; she said the whole place smelt like something had been cooked.”

A police spokesman told H&H: “Kent Police is investigating a suspected arson at a stable in Barnfield Park, Ash, at around 10pm on 3 August.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can call 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/140289/21. They can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.”

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) spokesman said: “KFRS was called at 22:13 on 3 August to reports of a fire at a stable in Ash, Sevenoaks. Two fire engines attended and crews used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames. No casualties were reported, however one horse had died at the scene before crews arrived. The cause of the fire is believed to be suspicious.”

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Future)

The effects of fire on horses: what are the implications and can they return to health? H&H Plus

(Image credit: Future)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

The effects of fire on horses: what are the implications and can they return to health? H&H Plus

Andrea Oakes — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 08:00:06 +0000

We hope it never happens, but if your horse was caught in a fire, what would be the implications and how would we restore them to health? Andrea Oakes investigates

ONE of the most heartbreaking aspects of a yard fire is that a horse lucky enough to be freed from a burning stable will often refuse to leave it, or will try to run back to it, in the mistaken belief that his stable is a place of safety. The chaos and confusion as the flames take hold is something we hope never to witness.

Hope is not a strategy, however, when it comes to keeping horses safe. Instead, prevention and planning will minimise risk and offer the best chance of avoiding a catastrophe.

According to Jim Green, who brings years of firefighting experience to his role as director of the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA), the typical yard set-up presents a perfect storm for an inferno.

“Most have an abundance of combustible materials, such as wood, forage and bedding, but lack smoke detectors, fire alarms or sprinkler systems – unlike at commercial premises,” Jim explains. “By the time someone realises that fire has broken out, it’s often too late. The usual advice with a building fire is to get out and shut the door; with stables, it can be difficult to contain the flames.”

The facts are frightening – a fire involving dry materials, such as straw and shavings, can double in size every 60 seconds.

“Products of combustion are nasty,” says Jim. “Hot air rises, and when horses are scared they lift their heads and their respiration rate increases. In an enclosed space, they are at risk from toxic and often superheated smoke, as well as the physical effects of radiant heat.

“Other building materials will contribute; the felt under a tiled roof can melt and drip onto the animals below, for example, causing burns,” he adds. “Smoke from materials such as rubber and felt will also create huge toxicity.”

Causes can range from spontaneous muck heap combustion to arson, but most stable fires are due to electrical faults. Jim cautions against overloading sockets and advises regular appliance safety testing, with checks to ensure that cabling has not been attacked by rats or squirrels.

“A key preventive measure is sensible yard organisation,” he adds. “Vehicles contain fuel and sometimes gas canisters, so park them well away from forage and bedding stores. Split up anything with the potential to catch fire, and keep the yard tidy to avoid a build-up of dust and other materials.”

A PRE-REHEARSED evacuation plan can be a life-saver.

“Get to know your local fire and rescue service and invite them to assess your yard,” says Patrick Pollock FRCVS, who has worked with BARTA to share veterinary expertise. “Practise, to see how quickly you can get the horses out. Is there a headcollar for each of them, and where is it? Where will the horses go when they’re out of their stalls – are there separate paddocks for mares, geldings and youngsters, if they can’t mix, or fields that are better if the wind is carrying smoke in a certain direction?

“Horses may be traumatised,” he adds. “Work out how to move them away from the blue lights and the sirens, and the people in firefighting gear who already smell like a bonfire from the previous call-out.”

Professor Debbie Archer FRCVS, who has helped BARTA produce training materials, says: “Mistakes are often made, such as letting the horses out before checking that the yard gate is closed, or not shutting stable doors to stop them running back inside. But planning will help – knowing the location of the water supply, for example, and identifying more than one escape route.”

Should the worst happen, burns will require immediate first aid.

“Take any rugs off and start cooling the area with tepid water,” says Debbie, explaining that the recommended formula is 10 minutes at 10°C. “Keep the site clean and apply a water-based antiseptic cream, but nothing oily.

“The severity of injuries is not always apparent, especially the effects of smoke inhalation,” she says, adding that rescued horses may need supplementary oxygen and supportive therapy. “Any horses involved should be checked over by a vet, even if they appear unscathed.”

SADLY, where injury to the skin and lungs is extensive, the prognosis is poor.

“A badly burnt horse is extremely difficult to deal with,” says Patrick. “A large surface area means a heavy loss of fluids but, if a horse won’t eat because his muzzle is burnt, it can be difficult to find a suitable site to insert a catheter. Kidney failure can then result due to substantial fluid shifts.

“Inhaling huge doses of hot air or noxious chemicals will scorch the delicate lung tissue and the small airways,” he adds. “An affected horse will struggle to breathe as oedema [foam] and sloughs of mucosa [cavity lining] build up in his nasal passages.

“As with humans, the severity of equine burns is calculated as a proportion of total body area. Beyond a certain point, euthanasia is advised. The skin may never function properly again, even with grafts, and development of a tumour called a burn carcinoma is common.”

While the knowledge base for treating equine burns is limited, encouraging results have been achieved with innovative dressings and medical-grade honey. When eight-month-old filly Cinders was subjected to a suspected acid attack in 2018, she underwent pioneering surgery at Rainbow Equine Hospital using the skin of tilapia fish.

“You can’t expect horses to lie between clean sheets and not allow their wounds to become dirty,” says David Rendle MRCVS, who worked with a vet from California to treat severe burns to Cinders’ face. “The fish skin offered potential for a cost-effective alternative to conventional dressings, which can be exorbitantly expensive.

“We can’t draw too many conclusions from one case, but the experience gained in using the fish skin and performing grafts was undoubtedly useful,” he adds. “Thankfully, we don’t see these injuries often. In 20 years, I’ve only treated two horses with potentially life-threatening burns. I won’t forget either of them, though; they present a veterinary challenge and a real ethical dilemma.”

“You think they will come out”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

FIVE horses lost their lives when fire swept through the Rothenberger family dressage yard in Germany two years ago. Among the survivors was Sanneke Rothenberger’s Oldenburg gelding Sankt Anton (Toni).

“When Toni came out, his rug had caught fire,” recalls Sanneke, who suffered smoke poisoning during the rescue. “Thank goodness he was wearing it; the top had burnt down to the wool padding, but the flames did not reach his back. But he had lost a lot of hair on his ears and neck, and he was kept in hospital for three days.”

While Toni’s skin healed and an initial cough died down, Sanneke was worried about his demeanour.

“He is normally a very fresh horse who comes out to work with his ears pricked, she says. “I was riding him and he would do his job, but it took a few months before we saw his character come back.”

Toni made a successful return to competition last year and is back on the path to grand prix, but Sanneke will never forget the struggle to free the horses trapped by fire.

“You think that when you open their doors they will come out, but they don’t,” she says. “They react quite differently. Luckily, our stables had outside doors and we were able to get most of them out like that – I can’t imagine how we would have done it otherwise.”

This feature is also available to read in this Thursday’s H&H magazine (22 April, 2021)

‘The love of horses triumphs over anything else’: two horse die but 58 rescued in barn fire

Lucy Elder — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:55:43 +0000

Two horses died a barn fire in New York state but 58 were saved thanks to the efforts of rescuers.

Thanks to horsemen, the Elmont Fire Department and New York Racing Association (NYRA), the 58 horses were rescued from the blaze in a barn at Belmont Park, which started on Tuesday evening (13 April). Three people were treated for minor injuries.

Beastie D and American Sailor, both trained by Wayne Potts, could not be saved.

“I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who assisted in removing my horses from the fire this evening,” said Mr Potts. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single one of you that put yourselves at risk to make sure 58 horses are able to see another day. The actions of so many this evening proved that this industry is a family with a fierce love of the horse that triumphs over anything else.”

He added: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to offer their support during this difficult time. We are heartbroken and devastated over the loss of Beastie D and American Sailor. We cannot thank our Belmont Park family enough for their quick response in helping us.”

New York State Fire Marshal and officials from Nassau County are investigating the cause of the fire, which was not immediately apparent.

“The tragic loss of both horses will be deeply felt by the hard-working women and men of the New York racing community, who dedicate themselves to the sport and to the care of these equine athletes,” said Dave O’Rourke, NYRA president and chief executive. “That collective dedication and sense of community was on display this evening, when the heroic and selfless response of so many prevented further loss and saved the lives of dozens of horses.”

Barn 60’s alarm and sprinkler system immediately notified NYRA’s security team when the fire broke out, shortly after 6pm, and crews from Elmont Fire Department arrived within minutes.

The barn was holding horses for trainers Mr Potts and Jeffrey Englehard, and a team of horsemen worked with NYRA security to get the animals out.

“We are appreciative of the timely response of our security team, the Elmont Fire Department and the brave assistance of horsemen from the New York racing community who helped in the effort to safely evacuate horses,” said Glen Kozak, NYRA senior vice-president for operations and capital projects.

“We at NYRA offer our condolences to the connections of the two horses that died in this unfortunate accident. NYRA is continuing to work with the New York State fire marshal.”

New York State governor Andrew M. Cuomo, who visited the Belmont Park Covid vaccination site on Wednesday morning, praised the “extraordinary efforts” of those involved in the rescue.

A chain of horsemen and security personnel worked together to safely evacuate the building, and the horses were bedded down in other barns at the site.

Trainer Robert Falcone Jr, saw smoke coming from the barn and shouted to his team to help, then quickly posted a message on social media to spread the word that “all hands on deck” were needed.

“I thought I’d post it and that someone from the backside [barns] is bound to see it and once one person sees it, they’ll start calling people. It all happened very quick,” he said, adding that many people came to help.

“Pablo Fragoso, a jockey, was there; ‘A-Rod’ from the gate crew was there; trainers Talie Lynch, Ray Handal and Brad Cox’s assistant Dustin Dugas all came to help.

“The outrider Miguel [Gutierrez], blacksmith Troy Lynch and so many others were there.”

He said they worked with Mr Potts’ team to get the horses out.

“It was really smoky in there,” he said. “We were trying to get through a shed row full of smoke and get into stalls of horses and you can’t see into the stalls. At the same time, there are horses without halters running down the shed row that you can’t see. As you’re running in and out, as soon as someone yells, ‘loose horse,’ you have to get against the wall because you don’t know where he’s coming from.

“As soon as we took the horses out, someone would take them from us and get them to a safe spot.

“Then we would go back in and get more and come back out again. We started using the cross bar [stall guard] when we ran out of shanks to run back in and keep getting them out.”

He added: “There’s not many of us making a great living doing this. We do it for the horses and even when they’re not horses in your barn, when something happens, everyone bands together so quickly.

“It’s not even a thought process, it’s just somebody needs help and go. We’re all here for one reason and it’s because we love the horses.”

He said they were sad not to be able to save the two horses who died in the fire.

“When something tragic happens, you always wonder if you could have done more,” he said. “But to be honest, I’m not sure we could have reacted much faster than that.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Trainer Mertkan Kantarmaci, who has horses stalled in another barn at Belmont, was one of the many to see Mr Falcone Jr’s Facebook post and came to help.

“I called my foreman [Sergio Hernandez] immediately. He was in the dorm by my barn and I asked him to go by,” said Mr Kantarmaci. “He called back and told me there were loose horses and I immediately started driving to Belmont.”

He added that by the time he got there, there were almost 200 people helping.

“I stayed longer last night and spoke to a few trainers who were out spotting horses,” said Mr Kantarmaci. “It’s all hands on deck when there’s an emergency at the track. You have to go for the horse.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Legal case settled over mare who died in slurry lagoon H&H Plus

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 07:02:39 +0000

The legal case over the death of a world-class dressage mare has concluded, three and a half years later. H&H speaks to all parties involved in the case

THE owner of a world-class horse who drowned in a slurry pit while at stud in 2017 says she is glad the legal action has concluded, as it is “validation of [the mare’s] life”.

Jane Sewell’s 16-year-old mare Die Callas died at Newton Stud, Devon, in July 2017, when she got through a gate to a slurry lagoon, having been turned out as a barn was on fire. Newton Stud admitted liability, and the stud’s insurers and Mrs Sewell have now settled out of court.

Die Callas, who won at international grand prix level with rider Anna Ross, and the combination had been shortlisted for the 2016 Olympics. The mare was injured that year, and Mrs Sewell’s case is that she had healed and was hoped to return to competition, although Newton Stud did not believe this would have been possible owing to the injury.

Mrs Sewell told H&H she had hoped to secure a foal from “Cassie” via embryo transfer and then bring her back into work.

“They tried to inseminate her but it didn’t take; the next thing was that there had been a fire and she’d been put out in the field; then she died,” Mrs Sewell said.

“I was told she’d panicked, so assumed she’d crashed through a fence, but then it turned out that the gate to the slurry lagoon had been [unsecured] and she’d gone through and died in it.”

The stud admitted liability but the parties were unable to agree on the mare’s value.

Mrs Sewell described Die Callas as a horse who “only ever wanted to please”, adding that although she could be “hot”, she was “absolutely gorgeous”.

“She could be fussy about her food; we called her Princess, but there wasn’t a nasty bone in her body,” she said.

“I’m glad I took the action. These places have to acknowledge their responsibilities and that people’s horses are so valuable to them – emotionally and financially.

“I am so grateful to all those in the equestrian community who have reached out to me, offering support and kindness throughout this time. It was an honour to have owned Die Callas and to have been part of her journey.”

Mrs Sewell added that the case highlights the need for slurry pits to be kept absolutely secure, as there should have been “no possible way” a horse could have got into one.

Lorna Wilson, of Newton Stud, told H&H everyone at the stud was “absolutely devastated” by Die Callas’s death.

She said the fire at the stud was a major one, and that it was thanks to the “prompt action” of herself and her staff that no horses were harmed, as all those in the burning barn and the adjacent one, including Die Callas, were turned out into the fields.

“It was an emergency evacuation,” she said. “It was an inferno and we had to get the horses out as quickly and safely as we could. The field into which Die Callas and one other mare were evacuated, to try to keep them safe, lay next to another field in which a slurry pit was located, separated by a fence and a gate.

“In her panic, Die Callas went through the gate and continued into the slurry pit where she tragically died. Despite the challenging circumstances of the emergency that led to the incident, Newton Stud immediately admitted liability for this accident and provided insurance details without hesitation.”

Miss Wilson and Anna Ross said, in a joint statement, issued “in response to ongoing, recent and vigorous attempts to publicly undermine the personal and professional reputations of Lorna Wilson (Newton Stud) and Anna Ross (Elite Dressage)”, that Anna was also “devastated” to hear of Die Callas’s death.

“Newton Stud fully cooperated with Jane Sewell in pursuing her insurance claim and committed to assist with a realistic valuation of Die Callas for claim purposes,” they said.

Mrs Sewell pointed out that the settlement was not reached until over three years after the incident.

The statement added: “Anna, as former rider of Die Callas, was also important to, and participated in, the process of valuation. However, in giving her view, she was unable to support the financial ambitions of the owner in light of Die Callas’s age and injury, which unfortunately led to a breakdown in relations.”

The statement adds that Anna “was, and remains very appreciative for the commitment Jane Sewell made to her as an owner, and the bond between Anna and each of the horses she rode and /or produced was one of deep attachment”.

Hannah Bradley, solicitor at The Equine Law Firm, told H&H: “Die Callas was clearly a special horse, who meant a great deal to her owner. The loss of a horse is never easy to manage, and I was pleased to assist Jane with this upsetting case.

“Although nothing can bring back Die Callas, I hope that Jane feels that she has achieved a sense of justice on her behalf.”

You might also be interested in…

(Image credit: Hippo Foto)

Legal case over pony shows there are no winners in court H&H Plus

(Image credit: Hippo Foto)

Owner’s devastation as wrong horse put down

‘It might sound dramatic but it’s like a member of the family has been murdered’

(Image credit: Hippo Foto)

‘Sanctuary’ court case shows need for rescue licensing

H&H speaks to established equine welfare charities to find out how this recent court case demonstrates the need for licensing

(Image credit: Hippo Foto)

Court case thrown out after livery falls off horse that yard owner advised her not to buy

A yard owner who faced a six-figure personal injury claim after accepting £30 from a novice rider to help her

(Image credit: Hippo Foto)

Legal case over horse being put down sparks warning H&H Plus

Heartbreak as six horses die in suspected arson attack

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 17:30:40 +0000

Nearly £12,000 has been raised for the owners of a yard where six horses died in a suspected arson attack.

Al Khawaneej, Rees Rascle, Knockraheen Pedlar, Warwick, Pete and Crystal, as well as elderly dog Dolly, were lost in the blaze at Kayben Stud, Sussex, on Saturday (16 January), which police believe was started deliberately.

Charlotte Rayner-Grey told H&H the family stud is run by her sister Torie Joyce.

“We’re all lost, we don’t know what to do,” she said. “The whole situation is heartbreaking.”

Charlotte said the alarm was raised at about 6am on Saturday by the first to arrive at the yard.

“My sister’s house is a five-minute walk away; she ran,” Charlotte said.

“I think her horses had died by the time she got there but she saw them. How is anyone supposed to get over that? I helped afterwards and I can’t get rid of those images.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Torie lost 12-year-old former racehorse Al Khawaneej, a 17.3hh “gentle giant” who was enjoying success in the show ring but could be handled by Charlotte’s two-year-old son. Rees Rascle, another 12-year-old former racehorse, was a yard favourite, and it was hoped that eight-month-old Irish draught Knockraheen Pedlar (Pluto) would become the stud’s foundation stallion.

Irish draught Kayben Warwick was 11 and had just started a successful showing career, while the family hoped Pete, a former successful eventer who had been rescued by Rainbow Bridge Equine Rescue, would be able to resume a ridden career in future.

Sara Smithers’ retired grey mare Crystal had also been rescued, and was “much loved”.

“They were all such loving horses,” Charlotte said. “Pluto was so beautiful; I know that doesn’t matter but we had such great plans for him. And Warwick was doing really well; he had been champion several times. It’s always been my sister’s dream to go to Horse of the Year Show and we thought he was going to be the one to take her there.

“Torie had been working really hard with Pete and he was just starting to trust people again.”

Charlotte said not all the yard’s horses were lost.

“My old boy was out in the field, and my foal was in a corner stable, which was singed where it was so close to catching fire,” she said.

“That block had another five horses in it, and in another block, the windows had melted in the empty corner stable because of the heat. We were so close to losing absolutely everything.

“It makes you feel sick. Some of the horses in the other stables are now scared to go in; it makes me cry to think about what they had to see.

“My sister’s been riding since she was 18 months old and they were her life; the horses everyone else gave up on, she never did. She just loved them, and they loved her back.”

Charlotte added that the family is trying to hold on to the fact that the situation could have been far worse.

“If Torie had got there earlier, she could have gone in, and we could be mourning her now,” she said.

“That’s the only thing we can say now, that it could have been worse.

“My mum’s elderly dog was lost too, and there were two cats missing but they came back this morning. That small thing made us all cry.”

Charlotte said the family has been overwhelmed by the generosity of those who have contributed to the fundraising page set up to help them rebuild.

“We’ve had some lovely people asking what we need, and saying they’ll come and help us with the building; it’s nice to think there is some future,” she said.

“We’ve got some mares in foal and the girls at the yard, who are lovely, and whose ponies were safe, said they’ve decided one of the foals will be called Phoenix, rising from the ashes.

Continues below…

(Image credit: no credit)

“That’s a beautiful sentiment, and everyone’s kindness has made us feel so humbled. I can’t understand how anyone could have done this to horses who have never hurt anyone, but it’s nice to know that for that one evil person, there are so many hundreds of lovely ones.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “The fire is being treated as suspicious and two men, aged 40 and 24, have been arrested on suspicion of arson. They have both been released on conditional bail until 13 February while enquiries continue.

“The investigation is ongoing and anyone who saw what happened or who may have any other information is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 195 of 16/01. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Fire risk warning after increase in incidents H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 13:07:25 +0000

Following a spike in the number of claims for fires during 2019, H&H spoke to experts from both insurance companies and the British Horse Society to find out what steps yard owners should be taking...

A warning has been issued to equestrians to ensure they are doing all they can to protect yards and businesses from fire after an increase in incidents.

NFU Mutual reported a year-on-year spike in the number of fire claims in 2018, while KBIS has also had an increase. Although other insurers contacted by H&H have not, all have urged the equestrian community to take precautions.

Figures from NFU Mutual put the cost of farm fires in the UK, which include stable yards, at a four-year high in 2018. Its statistics show the total cost as £46.4m, a 27.5% rise from 2017 and the highest total in four years.

Electrical faults remained the most common cause, responsible for 37% of fires, with spread from elsewhere — such as a barn or homestead — second at 23%, followed by arson in third (20%).

The long summer and tinder-dry conditions were significant contributing factors.

“Our latest figures serve as a crucial reminder to be alert to the danger, and have plans prepared and shared with family members and staff,” said NFU Mutual rural insurance specialist Rebecca Davidson.

“It is possible to manage the risks by taking all possible steps to prevent fires breaking out, and to have clear plans in place to evacuate people and livestock safely in the event of a fire.”

KBIS executive director Lawrence Gill told H&H fire is the “biggest contributor factor” to the total claims amount paid by the company’s underwriters each year.

“This is largely because the average cost per claim in respect of fire damage compared to other perils is significantly higher,” said Mr Gill.

“The majority of these fire claims are a result of electrical faults or arson, so the most important thing is to reduce the amount of damage that can be caused by any fire that does start.

“Simple measures businesses can take include ensuring electrical items are unplugged when not in use, not left unattended and ensuring hay, straw and other easily flammable items are stored away from the main buildings.

“This will at least help to reduce the damage caused by fire, meaning that any business interruption suffered as a result of the damage is kept to a minimum.”

He also recommended electrical circuits be inspected by a qualified electrician at least every five years and electrical items to be tested annually.

“Each business should have a fire warden who can work closely with the local fire service, who are often happy to come out and provide advice to businesses with regard to fire pretention,” added Mr Gill. “A ban on open fires and smoking on the property are also simple ways to reduce the likelihood of a fire starting.”

A spokesman for SEIB said the company had not seen a clear increase of yard fires, but offered some tips on keeping safe.

These included having a no-smoking policy on yards, storing combustible materials a suitable distance from buildings, having a good risk management strategy and ensuring that working fire extinguishers and alarms are on site.

Shearwater urged owners to think about insurance.

“Riders and owners would automatically insure their own homes against fire so insuring their horses’ homes against fire should be the next logical step,” a spokesman told H&H. “With so many stables of a wooden — and therefore more flammable — construction, there are numerous hazards that can befall a stable.

“Can you imagine the financial implications of replacing a stable building, and the contents, not to mention the emotional impact?”

Oonagh Meyer, head of approved centres at the BHS, told H&H it is essential proprietors of any yard do all they can to prevent the risk of fire and that their staff are “fully informed” about these.

“Situations will differ in every yard and some may be at greater risk than others, simply due to their location or accessibility,” she said.

“It is important to ensure that all staff as well as clients are fully informed upon fire procedures, in particular making sure that owners of livery horses accept and understand the procedures that will be taken in the event of a fire in terms of liability for their horses.”

She added it is a legal requirement for all businesses to have a preventative fire risk assessment. Riding schools must also have both preventative measures and emergency plans in place under licensing regulations.

“Emergency plans must include priority communications and measures to safely extricate people and horses,” said Ms Meyer.

“Practising a fire drill and evacuation procedure on a regular basis would inform best practice with it being made clear to both staff members and clients what their roles would be.”

BHS recommended measures include clear “no smoking” signage, regular de-cobwebbing, storing flammables appropriately, regular safety checks and considering the location of the muck heap, hay and straw in relation to buildings.

“Additionally, the BHS would advise centres to contact their local fire brigade for location-specific advice,” she said.

‘There is nothing left’: yard burnt to the ground in suspected arson

Becky Murray — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 11:56:38 +0000

The distraught owner of a yard that was burnt to the ground in a suspected arson attack said she cannot believe anyone would do such a thing.

Carol Bryce found out her stables at Old Swarland in Northumberland had been destroyed when she received a message at 9.30am on Saturday (24 August).

Carol, who lives around 20 miles away, told H&H: “I had been at the yard with my mum, Anne, the night before and everything was fine. The next morning the farmer’s wife messaged me and told me – I thought she was joking at first. I rang the police and went straight to the yard.

“When I arrived the fire had burnt itself out and was smouldering. There is absolutely nothing left; my barn with five stables and my tackroom are gone. I had a glass clock on the wall in the tackroom and it had turned into a nugget, the heat must have been that intense. The yard is on a country road and no one had reported it.”

Carol’s three horses; 20-year-old Sian, 18-year-old Charlie and two-year-old Dillon, were not in the stables at the time of the fire, which is thought to have broken out at around midnight.

The barn prior to the fire. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“The horses were in the field and I leave the barn open so they can wander in out whenever they want to. Dillon has been a bit overweight so sometimes I leave him in a stable overnight but fortunately I hadn’t. If my horses had been in that would have been it – they would have been gone,” said Carol.

“Dillon has been very clingy since and won’t leave me alone. He has developed an eye problem which the vet thinks was caused by smoke irritation so he is on painkillers and eye drops. Charlie and Sian keep looking over the yard gate at the barn – they can’t understand why they can’t go in and out of a barn any more.”

Carol said the fire brigade attended on Saturday morning to “dampen things down”.

“I haven’t got any electricity on site and the only thing in the stables was rubber matting – I had cleared everything out in preparation for winter. There was nothing that could have sparked a fire so the police thing it was arson,” she said.

“I’ve had a lot of support from people in the area. Everyone is worried it could happen to their place too.”

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Carol Bryce)

Rescue centre devastated by yard fire: ‘The damage was atrocious’

One pony and two dogs were rescued by fire crews

(Image credit: Carol Bryce)

Vet’s dreams go up in flames as arsonists burn yard to the ground

(Image credit: Carol Bryce)

Carol, who was made redundant in March, said she saved for years to build the stables in 2016.

“I’m absolutely distraught – I don’t know what to do,” she said.

“I can’t believe someone could do this. I bought the yard in 2015 for my older horses to retire at. It was the most beautiful place; I had spent money on drainage, put in a pond – it was a wildlife haven.”

A spokesman for Northumberland Police said: “Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing but at this stage it is being treated as arson. Anyone with information, or anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously overnight on Friday and Saturday, is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 384 24/08/19.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Rescue centre devastated by yard fire: ‘The damage was atrocious’

Becky Murray — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 16:07:59 +0000

An equine rescue centre has been left devastated after a fire “wiped out” their entire yard.

The blaze broke out at Elverra Pony Rescue, a voluntary organisation in Sturbridge, Staffordshire, on Monday (12 August) morning, owing to a faulty generator.

Founder and yard manager Sheila Bailey told H&H: “The alarm was raised after a diesel can exploded and staff at a boarding kennels heard the noise. I was working a night shift and received a call at 7.55am telling me what had happened.

“When I arrived the fire services wouldn’t let us near but you could see the smoke for miles. The hay barn caught light and was destroyed. We lost all 10 stables, the feed store, the tack room, the office – everything is gone apart from my mobile home.”

One pony and two dogs were rescued by fire crews, but no animals were injured in the fire.

“One pony, Rosie, was on box rest for lameness and was rescued by the fire brigade before her stable went up. The other horses and ponies had been out in a paddock,” said Sheila.

“The damage was absolutely atrocious. When I saw the devastation I thought ‘what are we going to do?’. Next year is our 10-year anniversary and all I could think was ‘that’s gone now’.”

Sheila said the support from strangers has helped them “get through”.

“People from all over the country have been fantastic – we’ve had donations from everywhere. Having seen the state some of the horses and ponies arrive with us in it can make you question humans, but this has restored my faith,” said Sheila.

“A group of people who we have never met turned up the day after the fire and asked how they could help. There wasn’t much we could do at that point so they poo-picked the fields for us. The support has been brilliant.”

Sheila said the centre hopes to rebuild the stables in time for winter.

“Most of our ponies are natives and cobs who can live out, but we have two thoroughbreds who will need stabled over winter. The shock has now worn off and the committee has been here all week while we decided where we go from here and set about rebuilding,” she said.

“We can’t thank the fire brigade enough for their help – without them we would have absolutely nothing. We’ve all pulled together and we’re getting there.”

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Elverra Pony Rescue)

Five-star rider ‘humbled’ by support after breaking leg in fall at Hartpury

‘We have had a lot of support from an awful lot of people and it’s been very humbling seeing how

(Image credit: Elverra Pony Rescue)

Owner’s shock as couple remove laminitic mare’s grazing muzzle to feed her bread

‘People have had muzzles cut off with knives, fly masks removed, grass cuttings and potato peelings emptied in fields –

(Image credit: Elverra Pony Rescue)

A spokesman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews attended from Stafford, Stone, Newcastle Eccleshall and Penkridge stations along with a water carrier from Cheadle station.

Fire investigation officer Paul Shaw said: “We found the fire was caused accidentally due to a faulty generator. The stables were well alight when the crews arrived and it would appear the blaze had been burning for some time. Fortunately the firefighters managed to prevent the fire spreading further towards the static caravan that the owners lived in. However the rest of the farm is totally destroyed.

“Thankfully no one was injured during this incident and all the animals were lead to safety quickly. It is however a massive loss to the owners who have lost the majority of their yard.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Devastation as three horses die in yard fire

Sarah Radford — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 12:06:49 +0000

Three horses have died in a fire at one of the UK’s largest miniature horse farms.

Three barns at Rosaphia Horses/Willock Farm in Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire were involved when the blaze broke out at around midnight on 17-18 June.

The farm is home to miniature horse breeder Samantha Wheatley, her husband David and children Charlotte and Sophia. While all persons were accounted for, the majority of the working farm’s equipment was lost.

Last Thursday (18 July), Amanda Breakell, a friend of the family, set up a JustGiving page to raise funds to replace essential items. Within 24 hours more than half of the £5,000 target had been raised.

Amanda told H&H Samantha was “devastated” by what had happened.

“As it was summer most of the horses were out but there were three who were stabled — a show colt she bred who was being prepped for the ring, an American mare she imported and another pony who had just been gelded and all three were lost,” she said.

“They have lost all of the outbuildings, the tractors, the stable yards — every rug, blanket and brush has gone, there’s not even a hoof pick left. Just thank goodness it wasn’t winter or the whole stable yard would have been full and the loss would have been tremendous.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Amanda, who runs online shop MiniHorseSales has been donating items as well as helping to rally the miniature horse community.

“The whole situation is absolutely tragic, I just can’t put it into words,” Amanda said. “I have know Sam for years, she bought her first miniature from me and she’s my best friend — I couldn’t just sit by and not do anything, so I set up the JustGiving page.

“I’m an end stage kidney patient and Sam helped me when I needed it — she took on 24 miniatures I owned, which is a big ask — we will rebuild and get her back on her feet.”

Amanda said the support received so far had been brilliant and a range of items had already been donated to keep the yard running, including brooms, buckets and wheelbarrows. She added that items that have been donated but are not needed will be sold in an online auction to raise money for other goods.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service)

‘It went up in a fireball’: Stallion saved from burning box on A1

'There we were, standing on the A1, with articulated lorries doing emergency stops, and the wagon just went up'

(Image credit: Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service)

“They have insurance cover but I hope the farming community will also rally round as much as the miniature horse community has and help David out, he’s lost his tractors and still has wheat and hay to get in,” she said.

Crews from Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Lincolnshire spent the night trying to bring the large fire under control, with local road closures having to be put in place.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Fire destroys part of historic French National Stud

Sarah Radford — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 16:04:33 +0000

A fire that broke out overnight on 11-12 July has destroyed part of the historic French National Stud of St Lo (Haras National de Saint-lo).

A statement on the Pole Hippique Saint-lo Facebook page said a rider living on site had spotted the outbreak of the fire in stable block number three at around midnight.

All 22 horses in the block were evacuated safely, with vets reporting no injuries from the blaze.

“Neighbours and professionals from around the stud all mobilised spontaneously and offered their help and the 22 horses were quickly evacuated and put safe before the spread of the fire to stable number four. No one was hurt in the disaster,” the statement said.

“All our thoughts go particularly to the two professionals whose facilities and equipment have been heavily affected by this,” the post continued. “Matthieu Laisney has lost all his equipment and [it has also impacted] Dr Hubert’s breeding laboratory.

“The momentum of solidarity and the reactivity of the agents of the stud have allowed them to find solutions… so that the economic activities of these two professionals are not interrupted.”

The post added that it wished to “salute the professionalism” of the 70 local firefighters who worked to tackle the blaze, which was brought under control by 4am.

The joint statement, issued by André Denot president of the horse pole; Hervé Morin president of the Normandy region; Marc Lefèvre president of the Manche department; Gilles Quinquenel president of Saint-lô aglo and François Brière mayor of Saint-lô said the communities were in “solidarity” and shared the “collective emotion in the face of this terrible test to overcome”.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Pôle Hippique de Saint-Lô)

Olympic gold dressage horse rescued from major blaze as others perish

A devastating fire ripped through the elite dressage yard, claiming the lives of horses and resulting in at least one

(Image credit: Pôle Hippique de Saint-Lô)

Stable fires: prevention and plans of action H&H VIP

Coping with a catastrophe calls for a cool head and an understanding of how horses and humans react under stress,

(Image credit: Pôle Hippique de Saint-Lô)

The 19th century stud, based in France’s “cradle” of equestrianism in Normandy, is one of the country’s largest breeding and training operations. It acts as a base for 40 stallions from seven different breeds as well as being a regional tourism destination.

The eight blocks of stables based around a central courtyard are described as a “fine example of 19th century architecture”, originally created by Napoleon to train military horses. The stud has survived previous calamities, including the WWII air raids that destroyed the town.

The stud has been closed to the public while the damage from the fire is addressed, but the Normandy horse show (5-11 August) is expected to go ahead.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

‘He’ll never be replaced’: tributes paid to stallion killed in yard fire

Alex Robinson — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 10:12:42 +0000

A popular Welsh section D who was successfully shown and used as a breeding sire has died after being caught in a barn fire at the yard where he was kept.

Sarah Butterworth’s 10-year-old stallion Danaway Cheyenne was kept at the yard in Lancashire when the stables caught light in the middle of the day. Eleven other horses managed to be retrieved unharmed. A fundraising page has been set up in aid of those who lost their equipment in the blaze.

Bred by the Attrell family, Cheyenne was sired by the prolific stallion Danaway Tango out of Danaway Roseanna.

In 2016, Sarah got him on lease from the Charman family of the Coppathorne Stud.

“I saw him advertised to go through the cob sales the year before, but I never dreamed I would eventually own him,” said Sarah.

“I could not believe my luck when I enquired about him and found out he was available.I couldn’t believe I had been trusted with such a special stallion.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Sarah spent the next few months gaining Cheyenne’s trust and getting him into show condition. One of their first outings together was Glanusk stallion show, where he stood eighth in a strong open stallion class.

“It was at this point I realised we had something very special together,” added Sarah. “We grew from strength to strength, winning many titles along the way. In 2017, he gained his bronze medal at Royal Lancashire.

“He was a true showman. The minute the ramp was dropped on the box he knew his job and gave it his all.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: Pauline Jones)

Sarah explained: “Our proudest moment by a country mile was when I took him to the Royal Welsh last year. To show him in front of one of the biggest crowds you will ever find at any horse show was amazing. The support we got round that ring was incredible.

“His attitude to life at home always had me smiling and laughing; he was a real attention-seeker and he knew when I arrived on the yard and would always greet me. My partner, David Hallam, also had a strong bond with him and they would play for hours together.

“Stallions like him don’t come around often so I bought Cheyenne in 2017 as I knew he was the stallion for me and he would never be sold on. In the three short years we had together I loved every moment and there’s nothing I would change. He’s the type that will never be replaced.”

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Vet’s dreams go up in flames as arsonists burn yard to the ground

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 13:18:05 +0000

An equine vet who fulfilled a lifelong dream to buy her own yard lost everything when it was burned to the ground in an arson attack 10 days later.

Natalie McGoldrick, who won the vet of the year title at the 2017 H&H Awards, had not yet moved her horses into the property, in Denmead, Hampshire, when the buildings went up in flames on Easter Sunday (21 April).

Natalie, who had been with her parents celebrating she and her horse Tricky Johnie’s qualifying for four-star level (previously three-star) at Bicton in the CCI-S 3* (previously CIC2*), heard the phone ring as soon as she got home at about 11pm.

“It was the police, to ask if I owned a ‘barn’ in Denmead – and they said the entire place had burned to the ground,” Natalie told H&H.

“This was my dream; ever since I was old enough to know what I wanted, it’s been my aim to have my own yard, now there’s nothing left.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Natalie has run her own practice, South Coast Equine Vets, for eight years, only taking days off to event her own horses, to save enough for the yard.

“I bought it 10 days before it was burned to the ground,” she said. “About 20 of my clients had been there tidying it up, we’d painted the stables, and one of my clients had been putting a back door in one of the stables for my advanced eventer who likes to have free access. I went up there at about 8pm when I got back to see it, and it looked superb.

“Then by 11pm, the whole place had gone. I’d said it almost felt too good to be true – and it was.”

Natalie said her horses were, and are, still living in fields she rents, but she has to leave that premises by 30 April.

Continues below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘It went up in a fireball’: Stallion saved from burning box on A1

'There we were, standing on the A1, with articulated lorries doing emergency stops, and the wagon just went up'

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

H&H Awards 2017: the winners are revealed

The prestigious titles have been handed out at a star-studded bash at Ascot

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

But she said she has been overwhelmed by the support shown to her since the fire; from clients, including one who has set up a fundraising page in her aid, to which people have already donated over £1,200.

“I’d feel really bad asking for money but she set this page up, and didn’t tell me; it just goes to show how people care,” Natalie said.

“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing; my clients were exceptional anyway, and the offers I’ve had; of help, yards and fields, equipment, the messages of support from people I don’t even know – it’s been astounding. It goes to show there are far more lovely people out there than horrible ones.

“It’s just so lucky I hadn’t moved my horses yet, and people’s generosity, in every way, has been quite incredible.”

Family thanks those who came to their aid after horses die in devastating fire

Lucy Elder — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 14:41:30 +0000

The Rothenberger family of international dressage fame have thanked all those who have come to their aid after a devastating fire tore through their yard.

Five horses died and several people were injured, including the family’s 26-year-old daughter Sanneke and their gold medal-winning 24-year-old son Sönke, who both sustained minor burns.

“Words can not describe what we feel,” said a statement from the family.

“I do not know what to say or write. I do not know where to start … to cut it short: thank you all for your immense support.”

The family thanked vets, helpers, police, firefighters and all those who have been in contact to offer their support.

“We will never get back what we lost. Our whole life has been broken to pieces. At the same time we are so grateful for the support,” said the statement.

The Linsenhoff family, who are based close by, have offered the Rothenbergers use of their yard and facilities.

“Ann Kathrin called me in Lier as soon as she found out and offered us all kinds of help, like many others,” said the family statement.

The family have been to visit injured horses Luna, Cantata and Toni at the vets several times.

“Although the mares are still very critical, Toni is on the way to recovery,” added the family statement.

“It reassures us that our horses are in good hands with Dr Ing. Franzen.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Five horses confirmed killed in Rothenberger fire

The family has thanked all those who came to their aid

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Olympic gold dressage horse rescued from major blaze as others perish

A devastating fire ripped through the elite dressage yard, claiming the lives of horses and resulting in at least one

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Amid all the sadness, the family also welcomed a new arrival — a colt by Totilas, who was born to one of their mares (by Cendy).

“Many thanks to Dieter Kellermann and family who have been taking care of our broodmares for years,” added the family.

“Especially now in this difficult time, we thank that our mares with offspring can stay with them over the summer.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Olympic gold dressage horse rescued from major blaze as others perish

Polly Bryan — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 11:49:45 +0000

Several horses have been killed in a devastating fire that ripped through the stable yard of elite German dressage family, the Rothenbergers, in the early hours of this morning (28 February).

The Gestut Erlenhof dressage yard in Bad Homburg, home to international riders Sven and Gonnelien Rothenberger and their children Sönke, Sanneke and Semmieke, has suffered enormous damage, with the fire destroying the entire 50x50m indoor school as well as other buildings, including a stable block. Many horses were released to safety in the nearby forest, but some could not be saved.

“It is already clear that we have lost a large part of our life’s work: our riding hall, our stable, several young horses and retired horses,” said the family, who also confirmed that Sanneke is currently being treated in hospital for smoke inhalation, but “is doing so well”. It has been reported that two further people have been injured in the fire.

The Rothenbergers also confirmed that Sönke’s world, European and Olympic gold medallist, the 12-year-old Van Gogh gelding Cosmo, is among those horses who have been saved.

“Sönke was able to bring Cosmo into the barn of the Krause family and also save Goldi [Golden Girl]. Several other horses are injured,” stated the family.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Sven, Gonnelien and 19-year-old Semmieke were away competing at the Lier CDI in Belgium, where Semmieke won the young rider team test with Dissertation on Wednesday. They have returned to the yard this morning. Sönke, 24, and Sanneke, 26, who were at home, had became aware of the fire when their dog started barking, and the fire brigade quickly attended the scene. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Memorial ride to honour 12 horses killed in suspected arson attack

Becky Murray — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 17:03:25 +0000

Riders who lost their horses in a fire at an equestrian centre have organised a memorial ride in their honour.

Ciera Battson and Grace Tredgold have created the Elmwood Memorial Ride on 2 December, to remember the 12 horses who were killed in a suspected arson at Elmwood Equestrian Centre, Burnham-on-Crouch, on 3 December 2017.

Ciera, who lost her loan pony Rex, a 20-year-old Connemara, told H&H: “Rex was the best pony you could ask for. We wanted to do something a year on from the fire and remind people we haven’t forgotten. At the time we had a lot of support from the public and we want to thank them.

“On the night, we found out about the fire on a local community Facebook page. We rushed there but there was nothing we could do – the barn had gone up in seven minutes. I was screaming and running to the fields to see if any of the horses had run out of the barn but they hadn’t.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ten of the horses that died: Archie; Willow; Diamond; Gizmo; Rex; Priya; Rio; Minnie; Ziggy and Murphy. Alisha and Poppy (not pictured) also died in the fire.

Grace, who lost her 10-year old thoroughbred mare Willow in the fire, said the whole yard was affected.

“As much as it affected the people that lost horses, it had such a huge impact on everyone at the yard and the community. We never thought something like that could happen,” Grace told H&H.

“Our yard is like a second family so we all pulled together, it brought everyone a bit closer. When the crime scene was opened, the yard owner’s partner removed the horses and we found Rex’s bit in the remains from the fire but otherwise we lost everything, all that was left was metal,” said Ciera.

Ciera, and Grace have had help from Ciera’s sister Beth and Rex’s owner Helen Wallar in organising the nine-and-a-half mile ride, which will be on and off-road.

“The ride has had a lot of interest on Facebook and we have a lot of people offering support. We’re putting up posters in shops, we’ve made people aware on the local community Facebook group that there might be a lot of horses on the road that day and we’ve had meetings with farmers about using some of their fields,” said Ciera.

“The ride is weather-dependent with it being December but we are expecting up to 60 horses along with supporters.”

(Image credit: Ciera Battson)

Owners’ vigil after arson attack

The owners of three horses rescued from a blazing barn in a suspected arson attack, will remain on watch throughout

(Image credit: Ciera Battson)

Horse and pony die in ‘deliberate attack’ involving stable fire

Police and the RSPCA are appealing for information on the incident

(Image credit: Ciera Battson)

There is no cost to take part in the ride, but donations can be made to the charity Essex Horse & Pony Protection Society.

“The charity helped a lot after the fire and donated rugs and headcollars so if we raise any money we want it to go there to say thank you,” said Ciera.

A spokesman for Essex Police, which was investigating the incident, told H&H: “Following a thorough investigation we have, unfortunately, reached a stage where there is not enough evidence to progress our enquiries any further. No case is ever closed and if new information comes to light we will of course review it.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Yard hero rescues showjumping mare from stable blaze

Rachael Turner — Sat, 12 May 2018 15:55:40 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A showjumping mare rescued from a stable fire is hoped to return to competition this summer.

Essex-based Grace Victory and her mother Kathy rushed to the yard of their horse, Sassy, when they heard there was a fire at the stables.

Kallum Fletcher, the son of the yard owner, had saved the eight-year-old Cassio mare from the blaze. She suffered burns but the other horses at the yard escaped serious injury.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, but despite their efforts the stables were destroyed.

“Kallum was the real hero,” 17-year-old Grace told H&H. “If it hadn’t been for him the horses wouldn’t be here.

“Sassy came out with her rug on fire, so that had to be stripped off.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Sassy’s injuries were found to be more severe than initially thought, with second degree burns to her back and first degree burns on her neck.

As a result her vet has been in regular attendance since the fire in January.

Sassy was put on a course of antibiotics and steroid cream was applied to her burns. Initially she couldn’t wear a rug due to the severity of her wounds despite it being the depths of winter. As the burns healed she was able to begin wearing lightweight rugs, starting with a summer sheet. Grace bandaged her legs with stable wraps to help keep her warm.

“She’s been the best patient, but when we started putting rugs back on her we think she was having flashbacks of the fire,” said Grace.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“She would shoot to the back of the stable, rear and shake. But she hasn’t done that for about a month.

“She’s looking ok now, her neck has completely healed. She has patches of pink skin on her back still but the skin has hardened.

“We’ve started putting a lunge roller on her with a stable pad.

“Next month I hope to be able to ride her again. I can’t wait.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Tales from Windsor: miraculous show horse bounces back after losing an eye

Meet the miraculous coloured show horse who has recovered from eye surgery and a life-threatening infection

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Sponsors drop Oliver Townend after Badminton – others back the world no.1

Some companies that sponsor Oliver Townend have been reviewing their involvement with the world number one event rider

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Got your eye on next year’s BE100 Mitsubishi Motors Cup? Take a look at the 2018 cross-country course

Take a look around this year's course and discover which fences caught combinations out…

Sassy was a surprise present for Grace from her mother last May. She is Grace’s first horse after moving off ponies.

The pair have competed in British Showjumping competitions up to discovery, achieving double clears and top 10 placings.

Grace’s Christmas and birthday presents were among the items destroyed in the blaze, including a pair of Flex-On stirrups, jumping boots and a crystal browband.

“My riding club, Rayleigh and District Riding Club, and my friend’s mum set up a GoFundMe page and they raised £500 for me to replace these items,” said Grace. “I’m so lucky.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

This week’s edition (10 May) features our full report from Badminton, including in-depth analysis, expert comment, pictures and more. Plus, read our feature on the options for retiring your horse and in this week’s vet clinic we look into the challenges of equine surgery

Tributes paid to 24 horses killed in yard fire

Rachael Turner — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 16:38:32 +0000

Tributes have been paid to 24 horses who were killed in a yard fire.

A memorial event was held on 7 January following a blaze at Folly Farm in Connecticut, US, with more than 400 people showing their support.

The fire tore through the yard overnight between 27 and 28 December.

“Tragically, 24 horses housed in our metal arena barn died of smoke inhalation,” said a spokesman for Folly Farm.

“Most of these horses were part of our riding school and our polo school, and three were privately owned.

“These gentle souls taught hundreds of children and adults how to ride, to play polo, and to love through the years.

“They were the heart and soul of Folly Farm and of our lives. The 19 horses housed in other barns were not affected.

“We appreciate all of the love and support we have received from horse lovers across the country.”

Simsbury’s Volunteer Fire Company was assisted by area departments in extinguishing the blaze. Crews are investigating the cause of the fire.

The memorial event gave supporters a chance to share stories and photos of the horses and ponies lost in the fire.

Farm general manager Alison Patricelli, polo student Annie Ebersold and rider Latha Dulipsingh were among those who spoke.

The Folly Farm team issued a statement on its Facebook page following the memorial.

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Victoria Pendleton: ‘Imagine if I’d felt as excited about cycling as I do about horses’

The 37-year-old Olympic cyclist-turned jockey Victoria Pendleton talked in The Sunday Times Magazine yesterday about her complicated relationship with cycling

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Time to sit tight! 15 horses have their say about the cold weather

When the opportunity to finally make it back outside arose for these horses following wintry weather, these lot proved they

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

New event to celebrate top British stallions

The showcase will feature Olympic champion Big Star and a host of other exciting UK-based sires

“Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who came out today to show their love of the horses,” it read.

“So many faces, so many stories, 400 people gathered to share. The Folly Farm family is amazing.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Mare injured in arson attack hoped to return home for Christmas

Rachael Turner — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 18:15:50 +0000

A mare involved in a suspected arson attack last month is making good progress at the vets and it is hoped she can return home in time for Christmas.

Juwireya (“Hettie”) suffered serious burns in the blaze on 26 November, in which her son, two-year-old gelding Impossible Dream, died.

The horses belong to Brian and Janet Vokes, who bred Welsh Grand National winner Dream Alliance, and are based in Cefn Fforest, Caerphilly county.

A JustGiving page set up to help the Vokes rebuild their stables and pay for Hettie’s treatment has reached almost £10,000 in donations.

“She’s coming on lovely now,” Janet said of the 10-year-old’s progress. “It still looks horrendous but it is healing.

“The vet is happy with her face. Her eye has opened and she hasn’t lost her sight.

“Her whiskers are starting to grow back and her eyelashes.

“In the beginning after the fire when we gave her an apple she would take it with her teeth as her lips were burnt but now she is using her lips again.”

Janet said that Hettie has been well behaved throughout her rehabilitation.

Hettie soon after the fire (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“She has the most wonderful temperament,” she said.

“For the first four or five days they were checking on her at night and she would be a little bit agitated — I don’t know whether that was flashbacks from what happened.”

Janet added that the footing has been laid for new stables, but the work has been delayed because of snow.

Janet said: “We’ve been here for 30 years and never had any trouble, but it’s just one of those things. We are heartbroken but life goes on.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

27 postcard-worthy photos of your horses frolicking in the snow

The pipes are frozen, you need some sort of industrial digger to break the ice on the trough and you

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘Protests won’t help’: rider’s open letter to drivers goes viral

Photographer Ami Robertson was inspired to write the blog post after a fatal collision in Surrey

She added that her vet is confident Hettie will be able to be put in foal once more when she returns to full health.

Simon Sweeting, who stands Schiaparelli for Godolphin at Overbury Stud, offered the Vokes a free nomination after he heard about the fire.

Schiaparelli was also the father of Impossible Dream.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Fire service calls for yard owners to act after horses die in blaze

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 07:09:57 +0000

A fire service is urging owners to think about fire safety on stable yards after three horses died in a devastating livery yard blaze.

Outbuildings were also destroyed in the fire, which had started as a result of an electrical fault in the tack room.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said the building had contained a number of appliances.

“The stables were well run and the owner was careful that the appliances were not used unless someone was present in the building, but even these measures were unable to prevent the devastation of this fire,” said a spokesman.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The fire started late at night and high winds allowed it to take hold, spreading through the building rapidly. A neighbour and passing driver raised the alarm.

“It was 2.25am on an extremely windy December night that I awoke to my neighbour banging on my front door with the words ‘There is a fire at the stables’,” said the yard owner.

“I could see the flames through the glass of the front door; sheer panic went through my whole body.

“Running outside just as the fire engine arrived was a relief, but going into the yard to see the stable building completely gutted, and no horses’ heads over the doors was the worst experience of my life.”

Other horses were safely evacuated, but tack worth about £45,000 was lost.

The fire service highlighted the fact that stables are at risk as their location is often secluded, meaning fires can get a significant hold before the alarm is raised, and owing to combustible construction materials and the presence of flammable materials such as hay and straw.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fire safety: how safe is your stable yard?

A yard fire is every horse owner’s worst

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Rural fires cost £72m: horse owners urged be safety savvy

Horse owners are urged to be safety savvy

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

New fire sprinkler system to improve equine safety

The sprinkler system is currently being tested and

“The risk of fire occurring in stables can be minimised through building design, fire detection devices and good management practices,” said a spokesman for the service.

Information on complying with safety law can be found in a downloadable document on the government website but further safety measures include:

Store hay, bedding, feed and equipment (including fuels, oils and solvents), preferably away from stables.
Ban smoking or put strictly controlled smoking policies in place.
Consider the use of fire detection and suppression systems, for example, sprinklers are being developed specifically for stables.
Keeping all electrical appliances, machinery and their associated wiring in good repair and not overloading sockets.

‘The floor was melting’: Arsonists target stables with horses inside

Rachael Turner — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 16:15:52 +0000

Police are appealing for witnesses after arsonists set light to three stables with horses inside.

Rosemarie Bailey discovered the blaze, at Furlong Lane Stables, West Yorkshire, when she arrived to feed the horses on Saturday morning (14 January).

Fellow owner Lynne Holbrook arrived at the stables after Rosemarie notified her of the fire.

Her horse, 25-year-old gelding Topper (pictured below), was one of three horses whose stables had been set on fire.

“Hay had been put over each stable door, squirted with lighter fluid and set alight,” Lynne told H&H.

“The stables have top doors which hook open, but are rarely used so they’re fastened back with tie wraps in case of high winds. These had been cut so that the doors could be closed.

“A large round bale of hay was rolled out like a carpet along the front of the stables and the remaining centre piece pushed up to Topper’s door.

“This was all then set on fire. Topper’s stable, more sheltered and with more hay outside, had caught fire badly.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The fire service was called and before they arrived Lynne managed to get into Topper’s stable.

“I pushed the hay roll, still on fire, away from his door and saw that practically all of his door had burnt away along with the front of his stable,” she said.

“I managed to get in, melting my boot soles in the process. Topper was stood as far back as he possibly could like a statue.

“I was crying by this time and I hugged him and them stood next to him. I knew I couldn’t get him out because of the fire.

“Both the front roof supports had completely burnt through and the roof was sagging in.

“His window, 15mm thick acrylic, had melted into a puddle along with his treat ball and his rubber floor was sticky up to his hooves.”

Firefighters arrived and began dousing the hay and dragging it away from stables.

When a path had been cleared the horses were led out. They were checked over and had not been injured.

“I should have been smiling at that point but I just sat down on a bench and sobbed,” said Lynne.

“How could someone look into our horses’ faces then set their hay on fire, close them in and walk away, leaving them to burn.

“I have no words that can tell you how that makes me feel. They have to really be full of hate.”

The horses have since been kept out in their field.

West Yorkshire Police is appealing for any witnesses.

“If anyone saw or heard anyting in that area in that time please ring 101 and quote the crime number 13170020511,” said a police spokesman.

Nine horses killed in stable fire

Caroline Bankes — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 11:03:29 +0000

The spate of barn fires continues in Ontario, Canada, with the death of nine horses in a fire last month (27 February).

The blaze on a property at New Road in the Norwich township took hold at 5am destroying the barn.

The latest fire is not the worst to hit the county.

On 4 January a fire at a top harness racing yard in Puslinch, nearly 50 miles west of Toronto killed 43 Standardbreds.

Firefighters from five departments were called out to tackle the blaze at Classy Lane Stables.

The fire started at 11pm and took five hours to bring under control.

The cost of the damage is estimated to be between $4-$6m and the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

The fire destroyed Barn 1, which housed horses trained by Ben Wallace, Roger Mayotte, Chantal Mitchell, Kris Di Cenzo, Dan Lagace and Floyd Amos.

A GoFundMe campaign set up to support those affected has been well supported by the horseracing industry.

Continued below…

‘She was an amazing horse’: promising eventer put down after yard fire

Stable fires: prevention and plans of action H&H VIP

New fire sprinkler system to improve equine safety

Later in January another barn fire at a private farm in Mount Forest, northwest of Guelph killed a dozen horses.

There have also been three other barn fires at farms this year in Ontario killing goats, cattle and chickens.

Stable fires: prevention and plans of action H&H VIP

Karen Coumbe — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 08:55:33 +0000

Disaster does not discriminate. Any type of equine can end up in an emergency situation, from grazing ponies caught in floodwater to competition horses trapped in an overturned lorry or a burning building.

The UK’s fire and rescue services are called to an estimated 5,000 large animal rescues every year, according to Jim Green, animal rescue specialist. Many of these are equine-related. Yet, despite this statistic, few owners treat problem prevention as a priority — especially when it is hard to see an obvious return for the time and money spent.

The less common a potential catastrophe, the harder it is to find motivation to take precautions to reduce risk. But remember, arson attacks are on the increase and flooding has been all too frequent this winter.

The British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA) held its first international conference in Prague (3-5 December) to discuss effective management of animal-related incidents, be it fire, flood, entrapment or other disaster.

Those at the conference agreed that large-animal rescues bring huge challenges. Thinking about it calmly, it is obvious that people must take priority in any rescue scenario. In an emergency situation, however, owners sometimes struggle to accept that humans come before horses.

Speakers at the conference pooled their expertise and discussed memorable rescues, both good and bad. Every catastrophe is different and opportunities for emergency services to gain hands-on experience are limited, hence the need to share knowledge.

Fire facts

Effective fire safety was a major focus. There were excellent, albeit alarming, presentations on equine evacuations after the recent devastating bush fires in Australia, plus much discussion on how best to manage horses in cases of fire.

An American review, presented by Rebecca Gimenez, highlighted the horrors of fires involving horses where more than 70% of the premises were ablaze by the time rescue services arrived. Of 1,200 animals involved in more than 104 fires, less than half could be rescued and 701 died. Among the human responders were 31 injuries and two fatalities.

The awful truth is that many rescued horses later succumb to the effects of burns, smoke inhalation and associated lung damage. Horses are likely to inhale the smoke and toxic gases that rise upwards in a fire, as they hold their heads high when they panic.

The severity of injury to the lungs can be more serious than visible burns affecting the skin — burning to the delicate lung tissue can cause severe respiratory problems. Clinical signs are often immediate, yet horses should remain under observation for at least 72 hours as some may not exhibit signs for two to three days.

Treatment includes use of supplementary oxygen, if practical, and sometimes a tracheostomy — where a breathing tube is inserted into the windpipe to create an open airway. Various medications can also help, but treatment is challenging and the long-term prognosis is unpredictable and variable. If there are also extensive skin burns, it may be time to think seriously about whether it is fair to continue.

Prevention is key

Dry straw burns faster than petrol. A fire involving combustible materials (such as wood, straw, hay and shavings) will double in size every minute — increasing by more than 4,000 times in just 10 minutes.

The emergency services can only do so much, especially in the case of rural or isolated yards that may take time to reach, so prevention is key. This means thinking about practical stable design and reducing flammable materials at the yard.

Allow clear access for emergency vehicles at all times, ensuring that stable doors are easy to open and left unlocked — imagine a firefighter trying to open them in full protective gear, including gloves.

And how will a horse already frightened by fire react to firefighters? He’ll most probably be reluctant to come anywhere near them, let alone be led out to safety.

One sensible suggestion is to accustom horses to fire alarms by running a regular practice before feeding, for example.

Plan ahead now so there is more than one escape route for the horses, ideally leading to a safe, fenced-off area that is upwind. Loose horses are an additional hazard and can soon become casualties on the road. Indeed, the fire and rescue services classify horses as “hazardous material” during an incident and will not release them unless there is a safe place for evacuation.

It’s equally important to ensure that everyone knows the location of water supplies for the fire brigade and that all safety information is clearly visible.

As Anton Phillips of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service summarised at the conference, rescuing animals from burning buildings is risky and often unachievable. Firefighters cannot be relied upon as the only measure to protect animals from fire, he pointed out, adding that owners who have planned for such an incident are less likely to lose everything than those who have not.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 25 February 2016

Fire tears through horse sanctuary

Rachael Turner — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:36:11 +0000

Equipment worth over £20,000 has been lost in a yard fire at a horse sanctuary.

Littletinkers sanctuary in Norwich was targeted by arsonists on Friday night (12 February).

A newly built donkey barn was destroyed, as well as a tractor and equipment.

“They set the barn alight while the donkeys were in it,” sanctuary owner Julie Bassett told H&H.

“Then they went across the field and took the rugs off the ponies’ backs.

“We’ve been completely cleared out — I don’t even have a hoof pick left.”

15 firefighters in three engines arrived at the sanctuary at 10pm and remained on site for two hours.

The 39 ponies, donkeys and mules cared for at the sanctuary were “traumatised” but escaped injury.

“I’m so glad they all got out — one of the little ones is blind,” said Julie.

“On Saturday morning I couldn’t get near them, they were traumatised, but they have been checked over by the vet and given the ok.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

In the past six months the yard has been broken into eight times.

“Last time we were broken into was 7 January,” said Julie.

“They smashed up all of our sheds and stole a lot of our equipment.”

The sanctuary has received numerous donations since the fire and a temporary shelter has been installed.

Popular articles:

Norfolk Police is conducting an investigation into the fire.

“We are investigating an arson at a horse sanctuary in Bluebell Road, Norwich, which happened between 10.15 and 10.30pm on 12 February,” said a police spokesman.

“Enquiries are currently ongoing.”

Those with any information are urged to call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800555111.

New fire sprinkler system to improve equine safety

Caroline Bankes — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 08:55:11 +0000

A new plastic sprinkler system for equestrian yards is being developed following concerns over the increase in stable fires.

Brad Wilson, a firefighter with the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s animal rescue team, is launching the new fire suppression system for the UK equine market after seeing a similar product in the US.

“There has been a huge increase nationally and internationally in stable fires and we’ve got to do something to get a better, safer equine environment,” said Mr Wilson, who runs Triangle Fire Safety and has set up a new company called EquiProtect to market the sprinkler.

Once plumbed in through the stables’ roof the vessel is filled with water and a type of antifreeze solution (green alternatives such as vegetable glycerine are being looked into) and then pressurised with compressed air.

The sprinkler has a small glass filament that shatters when the heat rises. This opens the plug at the end of the sprinkler nozzle, releasing the water and extinguishing the fire.

Mr Wilson said that the system “worked brilliantly” when tested on mock stables at Hampshire Fire and Rescue’s Lyndhurst base last October.

Further trials are being carried out over the next few weeks on a donated stable block being put up at Lyndhurst, to ensure the system is most effective.

“We will be carrying on with the testing and hope to get some endorsement from insurance companies and BARTA (British Animal Rescue Trauma Association) before launching in April,” Mr Wilson told H&H.

“We know it works, we just need to get the sprinkler in the right position for the type of box and make sure we have the correct ventilation to dissipate smoke and fire gases.”

The cost of system installation for a block of ten stables is between £2,500 and £3,000, plus a yearly maintenance cost.

Funding permitting, the first pilot sprinkler system will be installed at the Horse Trust’s retirement home near Princes Risborough, Bucks, in April.

“We are very excited about having the first fire suppression system at the Trust,” the charity’s Jeanette Allen told H&H. “If it works then it’s an obvious next step for The Trust to have it as soon as possible.”

Ref: H&H 28 January, 2016

More than 40 horses die in racing yard fire

Ellie Hughes — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 17:30:23 +0000

A fire at a top harness racing yard in Ontario, Canada, has killed more than 40 horses.

Firefighters from five different departments were called to Jamie and Barb Miller’s Classy Lane Stables on Monday night (4 January) where they found one of five large barns ablaze (not pictured — stock image used).

The horses killed were all Standardbreds, owned by trainers who raced them at some of southern Ontario’s best-known tracks, including Mohawk, Woodbine and Flamboro Downs.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but its ferocity was such that fire crews were still at the scene in the early hours of the following morning.

Puslinch Fire & Rescue officer Jason Benn told local media: “It took around five hours to combat the fire to bring it to a controllable stage. Freezing temperatures made it more difficult.”

The Millers were abroad at the time, but were expected to return on Tuesday. Mrs Miller told The Canadian Press that she is unsure of the exact number of horses that died, but estimates that it was at least 43.

The multi-million dollar Classy Lane Stables opened in 2003. It was home to around 222 horses and has facilities including a seven-eighths mile track, a one-third mile sand jog track, wash rooms, a swimming pool, a tack shop, a blacksmith and vet on site and 31 paddocks.

Trainer George Peters’ testimony on the stable’s website reads: “Classy Lane is the place to be. The name is appropriate from the people on down to the facilities. Everything we need is here, including the best racetrack in Ontario.”

Mr Peters, who trained Glorys Comet to win 56 races and more than $2 million in prizemoney in the late 1990s, is one of nine trainers based at the stable.

Arson on the rise: owners warned to beware H&H VIP

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 11:08:32 +0000

Horse owners are urged to be on their guard as the incidence of arson is increasing in equestrian properties.

Claims for arson rose by 23% in 2014, according to figures released last month by rural insurers NFU Mutual.

The worst affected region was the north east, which accounted for 26% of the claims.

NFU warned that arson is a “growing problem” within the countryside.

“Any rise in fire claims is always a worry as these can be financially and emotionally devastating for those involved,” said Nicki Whittaker from NFU Mutual.

“Arson involving premises where animals are kept, such as farms and livery yards is particularly concerning and we are working hard to educate people about the importance of fire risk assessments and a well-rehearsed evacuation plan for horses.”

NFU figures suggest that bales of hay and straw are the main targets for arsonists.

“While arson is obviously worrying, it is important to remember that people are three times more likely to suffer a fire as a result of an electrical problem than someone deliberately setting fire to their premises, and fire safety should be a year-round concern,” added Ms Whittaker.

Last year NFU Mutual paid out more than £11m in claims for stable and barn fires. This included the death of 12 horses, the majority of which died due to smoke inhalation. The amount paid out is 17% greater than in 2013.

A worrying trend

H&H has reported on seven stable fires in the past six months, five of which were treated as suspicious.

In April five horses were killed in a fire at a livery yard in Houghton-le-Spring, and in May two colts died in a barn blaze.

In June three stables were set alight in Rochdale, but no horses were hurt.

The next month a pony was killed in a suspected arson attack in Greater Manchester. Nine stables were destroyed, amounting to £80,000 worth of damage.

In December three horses died in a stable fire in East Sussex, which was not considered suspicious.

Earlier this year, Maggie Appleby contacted H&H, urging other owners to be more aware of fire safety and preparation after her horse was killed in the arson attack in Houghton-le-Spring.

“It was horrendous,” Mrs Appleby told H&H. “The barn was completely burnt out. The door was shut so the firefighters didn’t know they were in there.”

Mrs Appleby is now trying to raise awareness of fire safety. The fire brigade originally went to the wrong yard as they didn’t have the correct address, and she is urging people to ensure they have a sign with details including the ordinance survey reference number and postcode on the outside of their building.

“The horse world is very complacent. You always think it’s never going to happen to you, but it could,” she said.

Jim Green of Hampshire Fire and Rescue said there may be “more potential reasons” for a fire to start now than in the past.

“Generally there are more electrical appliances and devices on yards; arson in rural areas is rising; and farms are diversifying and renting out space to other businesses such as car mechanics who will have inherent fire risks,” he said.

Experts estimate that just four minutes will pass between a fire starting and it being fatal for horses and urge owners to have an evacuation plan.

Horse put down after arson attack

Event rider Emily Pope was forced to put down her promising young horse Coevers Gamble (Brindy) on 4 December, after an arson attack at her yard last month (11 November).

A “considerable amount of tack” was stolen, and police believe a lorry (pictured, right) was set on fire to cover the thieves’ tracks.

“We think they tried to hot-wire the lorry to steal it, and when they couldn’t they set fire to it,” Emily’s mother Sophie told H&H. “I looked out of the window at 4.30am and saw the lorry in flames and the stables on fire. It was terrifying.”

Emily Pope stable fire (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Brindy had been “in good spirits” but her condition deteriorated recently.

“She just wasn’t happy,” Emily told H&H. “It was the right decision.”

Sophie added: “The burns had gone down to the spine in places. It was incredibly sad, and she had so much potential. She was an amazing horse who could do almost everything — she was incredibly competitive.”

Hampshire police are investigating.

H&H 24 December 2015

Three horses killed in stable fire

Lucy Elder — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 17:54:35 +0000

Three horses have died in a stable fire in East Sussex.

The fire broke out in a barn in Robin Post Lane, Hailsham, just before 2am on Tuesday (1 December).

Tack worth around £45,000 and a number of sentimental items were also destroyed.

“The owners of the property were awoken by a young man who knocked on their front door and stated that the stable block was on fire,” said a Sussex Police spokesman.

“But unfortunately, by the time firefighters arrived, the building was alight and the three horses were unable to be saved.”

Two fire crews used foam to put out the flames and returned later that day for reinspection.

An electricity company also attended and the scene was made safe in the early hours of the morning.

Police were investigating the cause, but have today (Wednesday, 2 December) said that it is not being treated as suspicious.

“Fire investigators are satisfied that the cause of a barn fire which killed three horses was accidental,” the police spokesman added.

Detective Inspector Neil Ralph said: “I’d like to reassure members of the public that this is a one-off, isolated incident, and there has been nothing similar over the past few weeks.”

Members of the public have taken to social media to offer their condolences to the owners of the property and horses.

H&H will post updates when they are available.

‘We don’t know if she has a viable future’: event horse injured in yard fire

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 18:34:23 +0000

Event rider Emily Pope is appealing for information after a fire broke out at her yard in Newbury, Berkshire, causing injuries to her young event horse.

The 20-year-old rider said a “considerable amount of tack” was also stolen including saddles, bridles and other equipment on Wednesday (11 November).

“We don’t know how much exactly was taken as the events to follow destroyed whatever was left,” she said.

A lorry at the yard “went up in a blaze”, which then spread to the tack room and on to the stables destroying most of the tack room, wash area and the stable next door.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Emily’s mother was woken by the noise and called the fire brigade.

“We managed to evacuate all the horses and get them far enough away from the danger of the oil tank exploding,” she said.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Her young eventer Coevers Gamble (Brindy) was burnt in the fire and Coach House Vets arrived to attend the horse. The horse, who is eight, has been recently competed at BE100 and Emily was hoping to move up to novice.

“Vet Keeley Metcalf has come out morning and evening since as Brindy needs sedating to change her dressing. We don’t know if Brindy has a viable future or not as it will depend on how much skin she loses due to burns but she is a fighter and in good spirits,” Emily said.

“The other horses are relatively unharmed apart from Biz my old dressage pony who has minor burns to her head and neck.

“I would hate for anyone else to go through what we have been through.”

H&H has contacted the police for further information.

Fire safety warning after horses die in arson attack

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 09:55:01 +0000

An owner is urging others to be more aware of fire safety and preparation after her horse was killed in an arson attack.

Maggie Appleby’s mare Allie died in April when a fire broke out at the yard near Houghton-le-Spring. Four other horses died and 15 were rescued.

A member of the public spotted the blaze at around 5am and called the fire service.

Allie was a 19-year-old showjumper, who had only been on the yard a weekend as she had just been put on loan.

“It was horrendous, such a shock,” Mrs Appleby told H&H. “I woke up to seven missed calls and knew something had to be wrong. The barn was completely burnt out. The door was shut so the firefighters didn’t even know they were in there. It was so upsetting.

Mrs Appleby is now trying to raise awareness of fire safety. The fire brigade originally went to the wrong yard as they didn’t have the correct address.

“Two things leapt out at us from our tragedy,” she said.

“Firstly the fire brigade need the address, post code and ordinance survey reference number so they can arrive at the correct yard. Secondly the number of stables/blocks there are at that yard.

“It will most likely be a member of the general public who spots the fire and they will not have this information to hand.”

She has produced a sign which can be mounted on the outside of buildings, gates, fences etc, and written on with a marker pen.

Mrs Appleby has also produced a leaflet to accompany the sign with suggestions to improve fire safety on and around the yard, and where people can go to find more information should they want to.

“The horse world in general is very complacent. The people I have approached at local shows over this summer, their reaction has been ‘Oh! We don’t need that’. It is very disheartening. You always think it’s never going to happen to you but it could.”

For more on fire safety read H&H’s piece here

Are you prepared in case of a yard fire? H&H VIP

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 08:55:58 +0000

Horse and yard owners are being urged to update their fire prevention schemes after shocking new figures show how much damage is caused to equestrian properties each year.

In 2014 rural insurers NFU Mutual paid out more than £11m in claims for stable and barn fires. This included the death of 12 horses, the majority of which died due to smoke inhalation.

The amount paid out is 17% greater than in 2013.

“A lot of these fires are a result of stacks of straw or hay catching fire,” said a spokesman for NFU.

“However, what is particularly worrying in 2014 is that we have seen a rise in claims for arson.”

H&H has reported on four stable fires in the past five months, three of which were treated as suspicious.

In April five horses were killed in a fire at a livery yard in Houghton-le-Spring, and in May two colts died in a barn blaze.

In June three stables were set alight in Rochdale, but no horses were hurt.

The next month a pony was killed in a suspected arson attack in Greater Manchester. Nine stables, a barn and equipment were destroyed, amounting to £80,000 worth of damage.

“Our neighbours were woken by flashes and bangs — they thought it was a thunderstorm, but then they saw the flames. We lost everything,” said yard owner Kerry Pardon.

Jim Green of Hampshire Fire and Rescue said there may be “more potential reasons” for a fire to start now than in the past too.

“Generally there are more electrical appliances and devices on yards; vermin are perhaps not controlled as effectively as in days gone by; arson in rural areas is rising; and farms are diversifying and renting out space to other businesses such as car mechanics, blacksmiths and others, who will have inherent fire risks,” he said.

Legal requirements

Fire safety law has applied to all businesses since 2005. However, according to Mr Green, many horse establishments are unaccustomed to fire safety education and many are unaware of legal requirements.

Regulations focus on the need for members of staff and the public to be alerted to a fire and be able to escape unaided to a place of safety.

But legal requirements are frequently widely neglected.

“For the majority of equine businesses, staff and public spend limited time indoors and there isn’t the level of expected human life risk that would attract the attention of the enforcement authorities,” added Mr Green. “Unfortunately that causes fire safety to sit at the bottom of the priority list. Everyone hopes that it will never happen to them.”

Prevention is key

With plenty of “fuel” around, including straw, hay and timber, yards are prime areas for a fire to break out.

“Fire is always a concern for anyone responsible for horses, and the figures shared by NFU Mutual show that you can never underestimate the risks,” said Sheila Hardy from the British Horse Society.

However, firefighters and vets fear that owners are not putting enough time into prevention.

“Fires on farms and livery yards can cost lives and livelihoods,” said Nicki Whittaker of NFU Mutual.

“We would urge people to ensure they have adequate fire prevention measures in place, and regularly test their fire and evacuation procedures so they are properly prepared if the worst does happen.

“Someone living on site and motion sensitive lighting and early fire detection are very important.”

Most fires start from an electrical fault, so wiring should be checked extensively.

Professor Josh Slater from the Royal Veterinary College says that although people have basic fire equipment provided — that is, fire hose, extinguisher and muster station — they often haven’t planned ahead about what to do.

Experts estimate that just four minutes will pass between a fire starting and it being fatal for horses.

“It’s frightening how quickly a fire spreads,” said Prof Slater.

“How will you get the horse out? Some people think leaving the box door open will work, but often the horse will hide inside as it’s their safe place.

“Similarly, put in place an evacuation route plan. Horses are more likely to

co-operate if it’s a journey they know.”

What happens to horses in a fire?

The height of horses means they are more likely to suffer in a fire than dogs or humans, who are lower to the ground, or can crawl to escape the smoke.

“In a fire people automatically drop to the floor,” said Prof Slater. “However, horses are tall anyway, and when they panic they raise their heads to look for an escape route — their fight or flight mechanism. But within minutes of a fire breaking out in a stable, the roof space is filled with smoke and the horse’s head is automatically in the danger zone.”

The internal damage suffered by horses is often fatal.

“The horse breathes in the smoke, which is toxic and kills the lungs by direct contact,” he added. “But there’s also super heated air that burns the inside of their respiratory tract.”

Horses can suffer both visible and internal injuries in a stable fire.

“There are external problems, such as burns from the fire, but also if tar or material from the roofing falls on them,” added Prof Slater.

“However, sometimes the skin doesn’t look too bad, but they might have a life-threatening lung injury that may not become apparent until a few hours later.”

Signs for this include difficulty breathing and white froth coming from the nostrils, which is the fluid from their lungs.

There is specific treatment that can be used but animals in this state are often

put down.

Ref: H&H 10 September, 2015

Pony killed in suspected arson attack

Rachael Turner — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 09:35:30 +0000

A pony has been killed in a yard fire that police are treating as arson.

The fire occurred at a stables in Stockport, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Tuesday morning (14 July).

A neighbour of the yard in Winnington Road, Marple, called firefighters at 1.25am.

Crews worked for almost three hours to extinguish the fire.

A block of nine stables, a barn and equipment were destroyed, amounting to £80,000-worth of damage.

Reuben, the seven-year-old Welsh section A who died, was stabled overnight due to his restricted diet.

The other five horses kept at the yard were unharmed — four had been turned out overnight and another was being kept at the vets due to an injury.

“Our neighbours were woken by flashes, cracks and bangs — they thought it was a thunderstorm, but then they saw great big orange flames,” said yard owner Kerry Pardon.

“We’ve lost everything. We came here two years ago and we built the yard from the ground up — all our work has been shattered.

“The worst part of it is losing Reubin. He belongs to a six-year-old girl who lost her previous pony six months ago due to a shoulder injury.

“Reubin was a beautiful pony with a personality to match.”

Three crews from Marple, Offerton and Stockport fire stations attended the scene.

“They used hose reels to bring the fire under control and were on the scene for almost three hours, but due to the severity of the blaze the stables and outbuildings were completely destroyed,” said a spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police told H&H that the fire was being treated as arson.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.

Stables destroyed in fire: arson suspected

Lucy Elder — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 09:55:42 +0000

Arson is suspected in a blaze that destroyed a block of stables.

Firefighters from Rochdale Fire Station were called to a fire in a field just after 2am on Thursday.

On arrival to the fire in Roch Valley Way, Rochdale, the crew had to make their way on foot first to check the access for the fire truck.

A block of three stables was alight and the firefighters had to act quickly to prevent the flames spreading to nearby stables.

Two horses, which were in the field when the crew from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service arrived, were uninjured.

Owner Roy Winterburn told the Manchester Evening News that he had left the horses inside the stables on the night of the fire.

He added they must have been freed or smashed their way out.

Crew commander Ben McDermott from the fire station in Halifax Road told H&H the emergency call came from a person from a nearby housing estate.

“It was quite well ablaze,” said Mr McDermott.

“You could see it from around 300m away.”

The stables were ply-lined with metal cladding up the outside.

“All the ply lining on the inside had burnt away just leaving the metal sheets all falling in on it,” he added.

“[The stables] were burnt to the ground.”

Firefighters doused the empty nearby stables with water and managed to stop the fire spreading.

They had to connect the hose to the nearest water supply, which was about 100m away to get water to the fire.

Overall, the crew was at the scene for about an hour and four firefighters used one hose reel to put out the flames.

Mr McDermott confirmed there was nobody on site when they arrived and added he thought the cause of the fire was deliberate.

Two Arab colts killed in farm fire: police treating as suspicious

Caroline Bankes — Thu, 28 May 2015 11:57:28 +0000

The fire service is treating a fire (not pictured) which killed two horses at a farm building in Churwell near Leeds earlier this month (16 May) as suspicious.

Six fire engines from local stations were called to the blaze at 11pm on the Saturday night.

Firefighters used water jets to prevent the fire from reaching the first two horses they found.

The horses were not injured by the fire, but the flames had blocked their exit route.

Two Staffordshire bull terrier crosses were discovered at the back of the stables and were also retrieved unharmed.

However, as the firefighters progressed they discovered a further stable area where two horses had died.

The horses’ owners, George Murrell and Judy Lee, were at the yard but were unable to save the two-year-old Arabian colts called Diablo and Eric. Three ducks also died in the fire.

“It is always very sad to see animals die as a result of a fire,” said group manager Richard Veti, who was the incident commander at the scene.

“We did everything we could to save them but unfortunately two of the horses had already perished. Fortunately the other two horses, along with the two dogs that were saved, were unharmed as a result of the fire.”

“It’s sickening,” George Murrell, 37, told the Yorkshire Evening Post. “To see them in there being burned alive was absolutely horrible.”

He said Judy has not been able to come down to the yard since the fire.

The two surviving horses have been moved to another yard while the rebuilding work is being carried out.

The fire service said it is treating the fire as suspicious and is liasing with police.

Five horses killed in livery yard fire

Rachael Turner — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 09:55:17 +0000

Five horses have been killed during a fire at a livery yard in Houghton-le-Spring on Monday (20 April).

Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service arrived at Coxgreen Stables, New Penshaw, at 4.55am and worked to extinguish the blaze.

15 other horses in adjoining stables were led to safety.

“We’re a bit numb from this and it hasn’t sunk in – it is devastating for all the family, the liveries and the horse community as a whole,” yard manager Dean Mould told H&H.

“We have had horses all our lives, it’s in my blood.

“It’s been very disheartening.”

The farrier added that he hopes to rebuild the family-run livery yard, but the remains of the stables need to be demolished first.

“We hope to keep it as livery and move forward from this,” he added.

Jasmine Rawson’s two horses were killed, a 22-year-old thoroughbred called Sasha, and a four-year-old cob named Diesel.

“This is devastating,” Ms Rawson told local press.

“I’ve had Sasha since I was 16, I’m 24 now.

“We’ve had horses since I was tiny. When we got the call I couldn’t speak.”

Firefighters believe the roof of the barn containing the stables collapsed following the fire.

The building was divided into three stable blocks, one of which was completely destroyed. A second block was damaged by fire and smoke, while the third block suffered moderate smoke damage.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the owners of the horses that died in this fire. The cause is currently under investigation,” said Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service group manager John Allison.

Fire at equestrian centre destroys cars and building

Rachael Turner — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:55:35 +0000

A fire at an equestrian centre in East Lancashire has destroyed three cars and burnt down a building.

No horses were injured in the fire, which broke out just metres away from where 13 were stabled.

Carol Saville, owner of Gisburn-based Panama Sport Horses, a sales, livery and training yard, said the blaze started at around 1.15am on Friday (17 April).

A friend staying at the onsite house discovered the fire 20 minutes later when she looked out of the window.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“My friend woke me up and I saw three cars were on fire,” Carol told H&H. “The Portakabin we use as an office went up like a bomb.”

Two horses— a 16.1hh 10-year-old chestnut mare and a 16.2hh five-year-old bay gelding — had windows looking out onto the office and “went berserk”.

“The stables are attached to the house,” added Carol. “It could have been a lot worse – the muckheap is just behind the office and the stables are just few feet from the muckheap.”

Firefighters spent almost three hours tackling the blaze.

A joint investigation between police and fire services is now underway.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“A fire engine from Barnoldswick, a fire engine from Clitheroe and a fire engine from Nelson attended a fire involving three cars and an outbuilding at Park Road, Gisburn,” said a spokesman from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

“Firefighters used two hose reels, one jet, two breathing apparatus and approximately 45 litres of foam to bring the fire under control. We were at the scene for two hours and fifty minutes.”

“If the fire had spread much further we would not have been able to get our horses out of the yard,” added Carol.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Police appeal after horse dies in stable fire

Caroline Bankes — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:55:05 +0000

A horse has died in a stable fire (not pictured) in the Llwynhendy area of Llanelli, near Swansea in Wales.

The fire was “well alight” said police when it was reported at 9.05pm last Friday evening (5 December).

Firefighters were already at the scene when the police arrived. They found the horse dead in a stable.

The other horse in the yard escaped, said Dyfred-Powys police.

“The building sustained extensive fire damage,” said a spokesman for the police.

The police and fire service are investigating the cause of the fire and are asking for help.

“We are appealing to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, or anyone with any information relating to this to contact PC Guy 39 in Llwynhendy by calling 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111,” said a spokesman.

The stable fire is the first H&H has reported on in the UK for a couple of months, but in November in the US a devastating fire killed 32 horses in a yard near Chicago.

Fire departments from 27 surrounding areas helped put out the blaze. One firefighter suffered minor injuries while helping put out the fire and was treated at a local hospital but no-one else was hurt.

The five horses that escaped the fire were found in a nearby field unharmed.

In the same week 17 horses died in a fire at Smithfield Stables near Edwardsburg in Michigan.

Around 75 firefighters attended the blaze. As the stables were in such a remote location firefighers had to travel more than a mile to access water to bring back to the barn.

The entire barn was demolished and all the horses inside died.

32 horses killed in stable fire

Caroline Bankes — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 10:55:22 +0000

Thirty-two horses have been killed in a stable fire (not pictured) in Chicago, USA.

Firefighters from Crystal Lake rescue service were called out to the blaze at the Valley View Acres horse boarding facility just before 11pm on Saturday (22 November).

Five horses that had escaped the blaze were found in a nearby field unharmed.

The horses were owned by the Bauman family and others were being boarded at the stables. They included showjumpers, hunters and riding horses, many were Dutch warmbloods, thoroughbreds and Hanoverians.

Mrs Bauman had been at an Illinois Hunter Jumper Association banquet on the night the fire started. Her two sons returned home early and later saw the stable was on fire.

The stables had no fire hydrants so first responders called for extra manpower, equipment and water tenders.

Fire departments from 27 surrounding areas helped put out the blaze.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries while helping put out the fire and was treated at a local hospital but no-one else was hurt.

The damage including the loss of the horses is estimated to be over $1 million.

Both the stables and the horses were insured and the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Amber Bauman said she was particularly heartbroken by the loss of Eve, a quarter horse cross thoroughbred she had owned for 35 years.

“She pulled the carriage at my wedding, I rode her in a homecoming parade, my kids grew up riding her…It’s like saying goodbye to what’s left of your childhood,” she told Chicago Tribune.

This is the second fire to claim several equine lives in the US this month.

On Tuesday 11 November, 17 horses died in a fire at Smithfield Stables near Edwardsburg in Michigan.

Around 75 firefighters attended the blaze. As the stables were in such a remote location firefighers had to travel more than a mile to access water to bring back to the barn.

The entire barn was demolished and all the horses inside died.

Show director’s house burns down [PICS]

Caroline Bankes — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 18:00:01 +0000

Arena UK show director, Lauren Humphries’ house caught fire while she was on holiday in Crete last week.

“It was far worse than we had been told, we’ve lost everything,” said Lauren.

Staff had alerted the fire service, after they had seen smoke coming out of Humphries’ home at 10.45pm on 5 July.

The interior and the roof were badly damaged (Image credit: creditUnknown)

30 firemen in 8 fire engines battled to save the house and contents.

The fire, which started in the dressing room off Lauren’s bedroom, was caused by an electrical fault.

The charred remains of the dressing room (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The firemen worked tirelessly to salvage the family’s photos and other personal belongings. Even the rosettes belonging to Lauren’s children, Katie, 12 and Chloe, 9 were saved.

But almost everything else was lost in the blaze.

The kitchen was also badly damaged (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The house, built in the 1890s, may have to pulled down as the roof was lost, and the water and smoke damage is so severe.

“We have moved in with my father, until a caravan arrives for us to live in,” said Lauren.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The fire did not stop the Lincolnshire showground hosting the Arena UK Riding Club Show on the day after the fire (6 July).

Lauren returned home from her holiday early (on 7 July) when she heard about the fire.

The following weekend she went to the Kent County Show with daughter, Chloe, to watch her qualify for HOYS in the first ridden class, with High Top Dancing Bee.

Latest from Horse & Hound in Stable-fires

‘I knew the stables were on fire’: devastation for rider and children as years of work lost in yard ‘inferno’

You may also be interested in:

Young rider honoured for bravery after rescuing four horses from fire: ‘I just wanted to save them’

Fire safety tips

You may also be interested in:

‘Everything had gone’: riders watch in horror as fire sweeps through stables

You may also be interested in:

‘Another few minutes and it would have killed the horses’: coach speaks out on why stable yard fire safety plans are essential

Fire safety tips

You may also be interested in:

Devastation as horse dies in third deliberate fire at stud

You may also be interested in:

‘We’ve been very lucky’: owner’s safety warning after horsebox catches fire on A1

“We were just north of junction 50 when someone pulled alongside us and was pointing at the wagon,” she said. “I couldn’t see anything, the dashboard looked fine and it felt ok – then I smelt burning rubber.

“I pulled over and checked the tyres, which were fine, then heard this funny noise. I thought the radiator had gone, looked underneath and saw sparks and flames.”

Nikki told her daughter to get out while she took the keys out and grabbed the ponies’ bridles.

“I thought ‘how am I going to hold two ponies on the side of the A1? We’ll have to flag someone down’,” she said. “This man stopped; he was driving a trailer with two in and he saw the little ‘un waving her arms, stopped and came over.

“I said ‘we’re on fire’, and he just grabbed the first pony and I put the bridle on the other one.”

Nikki praised the “amazing” man who came to her rescue; he not only helped get the ponies off, he put the fire out, using an extinguisher Nikki had in the lorry.

“He not only saved us, he saved the wagon,” Nikki said, explaining that the fire originated in the central bearing, and the damage was relatively minor.

“I don’t know if it would have burned itself out but it was getting close to the gas bottles,” she said.

Nikki said she has replayed the incident in her mind, asking whether or not she could have done anything differently. But her lorry was well maintained, and had passed its MoT a week before, and she had fire extinguishers on board.

What she will change is their positioning; one was on a bracket from which she could not free it and the smaller one, which did put the fire out, was in the living near the cooker.

“Have an extinguisher in the cab so you can grab it straight away,” she said. “I don’t think you can have too many.”

As well as having the extinguishers, Nikki pointed out, they need to be checked and serviced, and she is looking into fire safety sticks, which do not have to be held by a fire to extinguish it.

She also urges others to check their dashboards constantly; she always does so for warning lights and engine temperature, as overheating is a major cause of fires, and to have bridles or similar on board.

Nikki also recommends having high-vis on board for humans. in case of accidents.

She has posted about her experience on social media and said she has already had positive feedback.

“A lorry manufacturer said he’d put an extinguisher in the cab of every wagon he sells now, which is really good, and friends have messaged saying they’ve bought them; the message seems to be that people hadn’t thought about it before but they will now.

“We were so lucky in so many ways; the ponies behaved impeccably and they and my daughter are fine and there’s not much damage. We’ve been incredibly lucky.”

You might also be interested in:

Horsebox fire at Hickstead out in minutes thanks to specialist team: ‘You’re in good hands’

“I’m delighted Hickstead has responsible event organisers who spend time and money not just on us but other contracts; medics and the vet team; you’re in good hands.”

You might also be interested in:

Five horses die in stable fire: police investigate cause

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Shortly before midnight on Monday evening, we were informed by the fire service of a fire at [the] stables.

“Emergency services attended the scene and the fire was extinguished a short time later. Sadly, five horses are believed to have died in the fire.”

The spokesman added that a full investigation into the cause of the fire, conducted with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, is now under way.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information regarding the fire should use the ‘report’ page of our website or call 101, quoting log number NP-20240122-1375,” he said.

A spokesman for the fire and rescue service confirmed that an emergency call was made about the fire at about 11.36pm.

“Five appliances from across the service were in attendance to control and extinguish the fire,” he said. “Sadly five horses lost their lives in the blaze with no persons reported [at the incident].

“We are working with our colleagues at the police to investigate the nature of the fire.”

Fire crews left the scene at 3.13am the next day.

You might also be interested in:

Top rider hopes fire safety conviction will raise awareness among other employers

A spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council said fire safety officers visited Izzy’s yard in October 2020.

“As a consequence, they ordered the immediate removal of the occupants of the flats on safety grounds by use of a prohibition notice, so that it could not be used for sleeping.”

The council’s fire and rescue service carried out another inspection in December 2022, and found Izzy had breached the prohibition notice as staff were being allowed to sleep in the building. An investigation led to the court case.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Business owners have a legal duty to put fire safety measures in place, and we will not hesitate to take action to ensure the safety of occupants, residents and customers.”

The spokesman added: “Responsible persons must accept that they have a duty of care to ensure the accommodation they provide is safe and suitable.”

Izzy added: “I am pleased to be able to put this chapter behind me now and I’m making exciting plans for the future. In the meantime, I’ve got some fabulous horses to compete and am looking forward to focusing on the start of the eventing season.”

You might also be interested in:

‘This makes our hearts sing’: badly burned stallion unites with orphaned foal after devastating fire

“As a thank you for everyone’s kind support, we wanted to provide our followers with an update on these two miraculous horses who are thriving, against all the odds,” a spokesman for the charity said.

The mare, Mathilde, was the most badly burned and although she made significant improvements, she contracted tetanus and had to be put down, leaving her foal at foot, Zazu, an orphan.

“Matata is a very gentle stallion who immediately took Zazu under his wing, and the pair of them have been stabled together since the loss of Mathilde to ensure that Zazu has appropriate equine company in his formative months,” the spokesman said.

“If there is one thing that the GHDT is good at, it’s making the impossible, possible.

“Hakuna and Matata are examples of just two more miracles to add to the GHDT’s list and are now through the worst of their recovery process.

Recently, Matata has been well enough to join Hakuna and Zazu, for an “absolute blast in the paddock”.

“Not only can Matata move pretty fast but he has also been enjoying jumping over anything he can find too,” the spokesman said. “Not bad for a horse who just a couple of months ago had such severe burn injuries that no one was sure it was even possible for him to survive.

“Thank you to each and every person who donated towards the care of these beautiful horses – we couldn’t have done it without your support.”

You might also be interested in:

Mare dies leaving orphaned foal, with other horses badly burnt in stable fire

The GHDT had to transport the animals in a non-specialist lorry to its veterinary clinic, where the ‘hard work of treatment began”, with pain relief the priority.

“The most seriously injured was a mare with foal at foot,” the spokesman said, adding that her foal was unharmed but could no longer suckle owing to the severity of the burns to his dam’s teats.

GHDT director Heather Armstrong said: “The foal is now being fed by a dedicated member of the GHDT team and has thankfully taken well to this.”

The horses were partially blind from smoke damage but the spokesman said it is likely this will resolve in time and their sight will return.

The charity is appealing for donations to support the care of the horses, and the many others it works with.

You might also be interested in:

Stables evacuated on ‘busiest day since World War II’ as heatwave fires take hold

Further south,The London Fire Brigade recorded its “busiest day since World War II”. Control took more than 2,670 calls and crews dealt with more than 1,146 incidents.

More than 40 houses and shops, as well as garages, farm buildings, vehicles and outbuildings, were destroyed after grass fires spread to buildings in the London area, which included Wennington, Dagenham and Kenton. A total of 16 firefighters were injured, and two were taken to hospital.

At least 14 properties were destroyed in Norfolk, five in Lincolnshire, and more elsewhere across the country.

In Kent, workers and volunteers helped move horses and other animals at Spirit’s Rest Animal Sanctuary to safety from a large grass fire in surrounding fields.

Serious wildfires are also affecting swathes of mainland Europe.

Thousands of people have had to leave their homes in southwest France, as violent forest fires affect the Gironde region in the southwest of the country, particularly Landiras and La Teste-de-Buch.

La Teste-de-Buch racecourse is home to 370 horses in training and the majority of these have been moved.

Racecourses at Bordeaux, Pau, Langon and Mont de Marsan, plus private yards such as Haras des Faunes and Haras de Saubouas have welcomed the equine evacuees.

A total of 15 horses remain at La Teste-de-Buch, which has now become a base for firefighters.

The effects of fire on horses: what are the implications and can they return to health? H&H Plus