Tragedy at True Prospect Farm

Monday morning there was a barn fire at True Prospect Farm in West Grove, PA, where I spent 5 months living and working for PD. The barn that burned down was owned by Phillip but rented by Boyd Martin. Reports say it was an electrical fire, and it took the barn and the house attached with it. Luckily no humans were killed, though several of my friends and co-workers ran in to save horses and had to be treated at the hospital for minor burns and smoke inhalation. 6 horses perished in the fire: Boyd's rides Call Me Ollie, Charla, Phantom Pursuit, Cagney Herself, and Summer Breeze, and my friend Lillian's horse Ariel. Lillian, Caitlin, and Ryan were able to save 5 horses from the barn, who were immediately transported to New Bolton for treatment. Updates through EventingNation.com have been hopeful, and one of the horses has even been released back home.

I want to take a minute to send my condolences to those affected by this horrible event. I know what it's like to lose a horse, but I have never been subjected to such a horrifying experience as losing a horse in this manner. My heart breaks thinking of Boyd calling the owners to inform them of the untimely deaths of these talented horses. I truly respect Lillian, Caitlin, and Ryan for rushing in the blazing barn to heroically save the horses they could. It is hard to imagine what that could possibly be like and what I would do in that same situation. I am sad for them losing everything they had (their house burnt as well) but glad they escaped with their lives.

My family and I are praying for everyone affected, and hope to never experience something like this again. If you want to help, there are hundreds of ways to do so.

Boyd's Fire Relief Fund through SCES

True Prospect Farm Fire Recovery Fund


Denny Emerson is donating 50% of his book to the recovery

Doug Payne & Jimmy Wofford are donating 50% of their June book sales to the recovery

Ecogold is donating 50% of saddle pad sales to Boyd

You can make tax-deductible donations to the American Horse Trials Foundation (write the name of the recipient on a note with the check):
The American Horse Trials Foundation
221 Grove Cove Road
Centreville, MD 21617
Phone: (443) 262-9555
Email: ahtf@att.net

You can read more about the tragedy at www.eventingnation.com
or on Boyd's blog