Pachesham proprietor Linda York has told H&H how she and her assistant Rosanna Kuit released 35 horses from their stables as fire ripped through the Surrey stables last night.
Ms York said: “I was watching TV with my son at 9.15pm when I heard a terrible noise in the yard and thought one of the horses must be cast.
“I ran out to an inferno. The barn was going off like a firecracker. Rosanna had already released the horses whose stables backed onto the barn and called the fire services.
“And a dog agility team was helping move the horses into the field.”
Ms Kuit also rescued her dog from her blazing caravan.
Crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene by 9.17pm and only left at 2.30pm today.
A barn containing 10 tonnes of hay was completely destroyed, as were 19 stables, two caravans and a car.
Temporary stables are being erected in the centre’s indoor arena and neighbours have rallied round, donating feed, bedding and other equipment.
“Everyone has been amazing,” said Ms York.
A statement as to whether tomorrow’s British Dressage show will take place at the centre will be posted on the Pachesham website tonight.
