Pink Star Equestrian fire

[Little Hound]

Apparently a highly-valued dressage mare was badly burned in a fire last night at Pink Star Equestrian in Oley, Pa., owned by Christian Hansen. Does anyone have additional information on this? The mare, 9 years old, is currently at New Bolton Center.

[flamenco horse]

All I know is one horse was critically injured with burns and wounds and is presently at NBC for treatment. What a terrible thing to have happen. Most folks had only halters and lead ropes since those were hung on the fences while their horses were on night turnout. Thank God for all but 4 of the horses being in the pastures!

Every horse owner's worse nightmare. :(

[Calhoun]

Terrible!

[JMurray]

http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=147533

[JMurray]

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a4_5horses.6956405jul11,0,2723770.story


http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=147692

[mbm]

honestly - why do people keep hay in barns with horses? isnt that generally the reason why these fires get so huge and out of control?

(not blaming anyone just curious why it is done ?)

eta: sending jingles to the injured horses.....

[RougeEmpire]

honestly - why do people keep hay in barns with horses? isnt that generally the reason why these fires get so huge and out of control?

(not blaming anyone just curious why it is done ?)

eta: sending jingles to the injured horses.....


Its pretty normal in New England where land is at a premium and most barns are crammed onto a few small acres. I have never been OK with storing hay in the barn with horses. Whats worse is that in NE storing have overhead and dropping it down in stalls is also prefectly normal. Its a great way to give a horse heaves:mad:

[Bogey2]

even in the "old days" hay was stored in the loft above the horses. I don't know of any barns in my area where they have seperate hay storage. I have a post and beam barn and the hay is a good insulator in the winter ...yet it is airy enough in the summer that the hay does not spoil.
I am sorry to hear about the fire.

[ThatScaryChick]

honestly - why do people keep hay in barns with horses? isnt that generally the reason why these fires get so huge and out of control?

I like having 6 or 7 bales in the main barn for easy access and storing the rest in a separate location. But everyone has different preferences and barn setups.

[cloudyandcallie]

Not just in New England. I boarded at a barn where the hay was stored in the loft overhead and the BO left her cigarettes lying around to burn out;
at a barn where the hay and a gasoline-leaking 4wheeler were stored in the barn; etc., etc, all in Georgia. Most Bo's here smoke in the barns and store hay in the barns.

[papony]

I spoke to one of the boarders today. there was no hay/alfala stored in the barns. Not sure how the fire chief quoted in the atricle got that information. It would be kinda hard to identify any hay, let alone the type of hay that was in the loft of a barn that was a raging blaze for 2 1/2 hours and reduced to nothing but cinders. It's a very sad situation. I can't even begin to imagine dealing with something like that.

[fatorangehorse]

I am far away - but I have lots of horse equipment in all sorts of sizes (not all top quality - but all in good condition and usable) I would be happy to send if it's useful. Is anyone directly in contact with the victims?

So frightening.

[slc2]

traditionally horses were nearly always kept below a hay loft. "Barn" I think (i know someone will correct me if I'm wrong) originally meant a building for storing hay etc.

I think the reason many new barns don't have separate buildings is the expense of the additional building.

If we buy a hay field, we'll store the hay in a building there, and go pick some up every month.

A building does not have to store hay or a lot of hay, to burn up very badly...but we saw the results of a barn that was full of hay to the rafters, and it generated so much heat that it melted steel posts nearby and even affected the concrete pad. It was absolutely unbelievable.

Too, a number of the large stables I know if that store hay, have temperature alarms or a sprinkler system over the hay - when the temperature rises, there's a lead or some other low temperature plug that melts and the sprinkler starts.

[WBLover]

Well, I keep my hay in our barn. I don't have anywhere else to keep it. Our barn has a 14' high wall height and the roof goes up higher from that point. The hay is never stacked all the way to the top or tight up against the sides so there's plenty of circulation around it. I also am very prudent about buying well-cured hay.

I've never really worried about a barn fire. Our barn is mostly steel siding, don't know if that helps but that's partly why I don't even think twice about it. There's plenty of other things that can catch a barn on fire. We don't smoke either and don't allow anyone on the property with cigarettes lit.

[baytraks]

There but for the grace of God go we...

Sorry you have had to suffer the losses, so glad more horses weren't hurt.

[mbm]

Well, I keep my hay in our barn. I don't have anywhere else to keep it. Our barn has a 14' high wall height and the roof goes up higher from that point. The hay is never stacked all the way to the top or tight up against the sides so there's plenty of circulation around it. I also am very prudent about buying well-cured hay.



i suggest anyone with hay in their barn to do some research on fire and how it operates. hay in a barn is extremely dangerous - smoking or no.

[arabesque]

My mare is the horse that was critically injured in the fire. She was severely burned, but is improving daily. It is heartbreaking to think about how frightened the horses must have been.
There are so many wonderful people to thank, I don't even know where to start....I was unable to help search for the horses or go immediately to New Bolton becuase my husband was out of town and I have a 3 year old son. So MANY thanks to those who went out searching, to the person who loaned the rig to transport the horses, to my friend who drove Suki to New Bolton and to the brave, brave man that went back in to save my beautiful girl.....
The farm owners are wonderful, caring people who will rebuild the facility...it was devastating for them as well.
I must also thank the amazing staff at New Bolton who are taking such wonderful care of my girl. We have a long road ahead, but everyday I am a little more optimistic (cautiously!)
So thanks to ALL, as I am sure there are people involved that I am not even aware of, just be sure that I am eternally grateful to you as well

[SonnysMom]

arabesque- welcome to COTH. Sorry it is under such awful circumstances. I used to board at Passport but moved my horse a couple of months prior to the sale. Pink Star/Passport was such a lovely facility.

I drove by on Sunday. It just gave me goosebumps to see the barns. Such a scary thing.

I am so sorry to hear about your mare. I am glad to hear she is doing better.

Jingles for Suki. Keep us updated on how she is healing.

[JumpItHighPie]

F., you're both in my prayers :-)

[JRG]

My heart goes out to all. Sending well wishes.

[arabesque]

Thanks everyone.
J: How is Pie?
Suki doing well today. Saw her last night and she is being her pushy, Diva self! The burned skin on her back is getting itchy, so they are addressing that. We seemed to have dodged the bullet with upper airway damage, and she only coughs occasionally. She is going for walks twice a day now, so I am sure that makes her happy. We still have a long way to go, but every day without complications is one step closer to recovery.
Please keep the jingles and prayers coming...I think it's working!

[Quinn]

Arabesque, keeping your mare in my thoughts and prayers.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[pooh]

Arabesque - we will keep jingling for your girl, glad to hear she is improving and is at NB - they provide great care.
And I'm saddened by the loss of Passport / Pink Eq - I remember that place from when I lived out in ChesterCounty. Everytime I hear about these types of fires, I become more worried about the barn my horse is at - for the most part alot of our barns are fires waiting to happen.

[Maude]

Arabesque, Best of thoughts and prayers for you, your horse and the other horses involved. You had many Heroes and Guardian Angels that night. Did you get the name of the fireman who went back into the burning barn to save your horse? If so, he deserves nationwide recognition as a hero. Few people, horsepeople included would have risked their lives and gone back into the blaze to save a horse. There has to be some horse publication that would honor him and the others that came to your rescue that night. Your Guardian Angel friend that took Suki to NBC is also an old friend of mine.

[Beasmom]

Happy thoughts and prayers coming your way, Arabesque and Suki!

[retrofit]

How very scary!

Is there a general address where tack donations can be accepted? I have a few nice things that I could send along, and it sounds like other COTH-ers may be moved to make donations as well.

"Jingles" and well-wishes for continued healing ... horses & humans.

[arabesque]

Yes Maude, you are right...many heroes and guardian angels....
working on getting the name of the fireman. A friend of a friend knows who it is. Everyone who was out there that night deserves to be honored, but I want to personally thank the firefighter who saved Suki. I will see if there is a publication that will honor him...if anyone has any suggestions please let me know! So many people have been affected by this, and the community has really come to our rescue.
Thanks to all who are praying as well. My brave Suki also sends her thanks!

[arabesque]

oh...retrofit...I know that people have been dropping off suplies at Pink Star. They have set up some temporary stalls in the indoor, and are caring for the horses. I know that any donations of equipment, supplies, etc would be greatly appreciated. They are trying to keep everyone together for emotional support as well!

[Equestryn]

Can someone message me the address to Pink Star. I'd like to send some supplies. Anything in particular needed?

My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to ya'll. When it was posted that a boarder lost the bridle from her first gelding, I got tears in my eyes. When I read what Arabesque wrote, tears rolling down my face. I can't imagine how scary that would be. Thank GOD there weren't many horses in the barn and that everyone is safe and in good hands. EXTREMELY lucky.

[JumpItHighPie]

Pilot's doing fine, and while nothing can compare coming from such a lovely facility as Pink Star, I am just happy to have him and all the other horses alive.

I am so thrilled so hear the good news on Suki. When she is home I would love to stop by and visit.

[arabesque]

Visited Suki today (skipped last night). She is doing very well. One eye has healed, but the right eye still has an ulcer. She is excellent humor, banging for treats and well....being Suki. Some of the burned areas are actually showing a small amount of hair growth!
The staff at New Bolton has been amazing.
Thanks to all for the ggod wishes.

[fatorangehorse]

Arabesque or other person close,

Maybe a good friend or other barn member could help develop a list of the items and sizes needed. I have also been on the receiving end of amazing generosity in a horrible situation in the past. Sometimes very generous and well meaning sentiments can turn into an overwelming amount of boxes on your front porch filled with 50 versions of the same thing that wouldn't work anyway. It was stressful for me to figure out how to get items back to people and din't feel comfortable justo donating elsewhere - as people were very specific about how they were moved to help ME.

As someone who wants very much to help however I can, I am just trying to think how we get you what you need most and keep it as simple and stress free as possible. Feel free to ignore if this note is not helpful . . .:sadsmile:

[Little Hound]

Arabesque and Suki, two people who helped that night were Ted and Robin Stepanoff, who live on Golden Oak Farm, which is on the other side of Pink Star. They were out for hours searching for 2 of the horses that were running loose, both were burned, one more than the other. One went to New Bolton, the other the Stepanoffs are housing. They are very nice people and just thought you'd like to know of their efforts.

[arabesque]

Thanks LH. Yes, I had heard that Stepenoff's had helped. A friend of mine boards there. My horse is the one at New Bolton. I plan on going over there this weekend to thank them It has been a tough week, going to New Bolton after work which as hour from my home. But Suki is improving, and that is the main thing. Now I have to get down to the business of thanking every one involved.
Thanks again!

[JumpItHighPie]

F; again I am so happy to hear the news on Suki. Please let me know when she can have visitors and I will be right on over with cookies in hand :-)

[crazy_dragonlady]

I know this is an old post but I was searching for information about what happened to the two horses that we almost ran over that night. You see me and my husband saw the fire from our driveway and went to see what was going on (yes, we are nosy) Once I realized exactly what it was that was burning I was freaking out! Hoping and praying that those horses were all ok. When we drove up Hunter Road towards Oley Turnpike we came to a bend in the road and my husband had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the two horses that were crossing the road. We kept going until we came to a place where we could turn around and there was another vehicle, a green dodge pickup coming down the little gravel road. We turned around and stopped back at the place where the horses crossed the road the first time hoping to see if we could perhaps capture them and keep them from being harmed. (my husband and I are both horse lovers) There were already two trucks parked along the side of the road and eventually the two horses came back down to the road. The green pickup truck followed them back up Hunter road towards Blacksmith road and we turned up our driveway figuring that he would make sure they found a safe place. I lost sight of them once they passed by Fisher's house but I was hoping and praying that they made their way to Steppenoff's (sp) farm Twelve Oaks which is just around the corner from us.

The rest of that night I was awake watching the state police car drive past with his spotlight searching the fields and then I also noticed a vet truck drive past looking as well, I knew they were looking for those two horses but no one stopped to talk to me.

I am grateful that I found this forum and now know that both horses are still alive. I didn't know it at the time that either one of them was injured as I never did get a good look at them. The only thing I knew was that one was a sorrel.

So, please let me know whether they are both still doing good. If it's not too much of a hassle I'd love to see photos of the two horses that I was so close to helping rescue.

ttfn
CDL.

[Mardi]

[QUOTE=slc2;4230471I think the reason many new barns don't have separate buildings is the expense of the additional building.
[/QUOTE]

Priorities come in to play again....barn owners probably have a garage for the car/truck, but a three sided shelter to store hay away from the main barn is too expensive (?)

So glad to know that all horses made it through with no loss of life.

Does anyone have an update ?

[arabesque]

CDL/Mardi and others:

My horse is the one at New Bolton...she is still in ICU, but doing really well. We hope that she will be released next week...
She was badly burned, but the burns are healing beaytifuly and her veterinarians have been thrilled with her progress. Her diva personality and appetite have not been affected! She and her friend were probably the two on the road that night. Two big chestnut mares. The other mare suffered some minor burns and re-injured her suspensory and tore a muscle in her shoulder but is also recovering nicely at home.
Thank you for helping to search for them...we are so grateful to everyone who was out that night!

[Trevelyan96]

Arabesque - Huge jingles for your mare.

For everyone else at Pink Star, I am so sorry you have to go through this, and huge hugs for you all while you deal with the aftermath.

FWIW, barns, by their very nature, regardless of whether or not there is hay stored inside or what they are made of, are tinderboxes just waiting to be ignited. That's just one of the fears we all live with every day. *MOST* people take as many sensible precautions as they can when building a new barn, the rest do the best they can with what they inherited.

Lets just please not use this thread to start making blanket statements about the barn management of others. The staff, boarders, and other connections of Pink Star don't need to deal with those rants in this particular thread.

[Kmkoolioxo]

I used to ride there with two of my best friends before the farm was sold. We were devastated. They sold my favorite horses, one without any warning. I never even got to say goodbye...

And now there's next to nothing left... Heartbreaking... :cry:


I'm not 100% sure about this, but someone told me that it was arson.

[Mach Two]

So glad to hear Suki is healing well, and that the horse community has once again gathered 'round with support. There was a devastating barn fire a few years ago at the farm where my husband and I pasture boarded two horses, and the same things happened there...everyone rallied around.
It is a horse person's nightmare, to be sure. We'll all give our horses an extra hug after reading this thread.

[retrofit]

I used to ride there with two of my best friends before the farm was sold. We were devastated. They sold my favorite horses, one without any warning. I never even got to say goodbye...

And now there's next to nothing left... Heartbreaking... :cry:


I'm not 100% sure about this, but someone told me that it was arson.

Are you trying to tell us something Kmkoolioxo? Seriously - you joined this board to spread negativity & hint at felonies & malicious intent? I sure hope that if arson is suspected, your post gets noticed by the authorities.

[Grataan]

Are you trying to tell us something Kmkoolioxo? Seriously - you joined this board to spread negativity & hint at felonies & malicious intent? I sure hope that if arson is suspected, your post gets noticed by the authorities.

I thought kmkoolioxo's post was a bit...odd myself retro, so I googled the barn name and found lots of internet rumors about arson and insurance fraud but ****NOTHING INDICATING THAT WAS TRUE****

I'm hoping the mare is doing well now and that they were able to determine the cause of the fire?

[staceyk]

Kmkoolioxo, I don't know your age or you intentions, but you don't post something like that unless you ARE 100% sure and can point to an authoritative source that confirms it.

My .02.

[MistyBlue]

According to her Myspace, she's just a 15 year old kid.
Hopefully this is just dramatics.

[JumpItHighPie]

She is not spreading rumors. It has undeniably been determined arson, via fire marshal for that area, this isn't new information as far as I am concerned. Since said owner was not responsible for the fire this is why as boarders none of our belongings were replaced. Fine print in the insurance policy I suppose? Any further questions, feel free to PM me.

[cloudyandcallie]

Yes Maude, you are right...many heroes and guardian angels....
working on getting the name of the fireman. A friend of a friend knows who it is. Everyone who was out there that night deserves to be honored, but I want to personally thank the firefighter who saved Suki. I will see if there is a publication that will honor him...if anyone has any suggestions please let me know! So many people have been affected by this, and the community has really come to our rescue.
Thanks to all who are praying as well. My brave Suki also sends her thanks!

Call your state insurance commissioner and tell him how great the fireman was. (Insurance commissioner has investigators who will publicize the fireman's good work. They also investigate arson.)

[champagnetaste]

Hi Jump it high pie,

Usually if arson is suspected it makes the news. Is there a source, or do you know why this isn't more widely known?

SEK

[JumpItHighPie]

Hi Jump it high pie,

Usually if arson is suspected it makes the news. Is there a source, or do you know why this isn't more widely known?

SEK

I learned it was arson in phone calls needing to be made to the barn owner's insurance company and the fire marshal in regards to getting my equipment replaced. As for it not being announced, who knows? I guess officials can only get so far with "what happened" or "how"... now it's the "who".

[slc2]

"they sold my favorite horses, one without any warning"

The people in question owned the horses. They are not required to consult you if they decide to sell horses they own. As you grow up, you will learn more about who owes you what. Especially if they felt unhappy about selling the horses, it would be painful to have to tell one person after another about it.

As a result of this very sad event we're getting heat alarms. I hope other people consider them too.

[Bogey2]

Since said owner was not responsible for the fire this is why as boarders none of our belongings were replaced.

your stuff should be covered by your own home owners insurance...as a BO I don't cover my clients equipment.

[JumpItHighPie]

And it was. But as a boarder I was mistaken in thinking the larger, commercial operations could carry the heftier policy in covering boarder's equipment. In my case it came down to who was responsible for the damage. The barn did indeed cover our goods considered 'in their care' HOWEVER they would have needed to be held responsible for the damage done.

Run out and grab a copy of your barn's insurance policy, STAT. Also very important is how you are titled in the contract. Invitee versus lessor. BIG DIFFERENCE.

[JumpItHighPie]

As a result of this very sad event we're getting heat alarms. I hope other people consider them too.

Will the alarms be wired to inside the house, or to the local fire department? No point having them in the barn unless someone lives inside to hear it and then act immediately. Seeing smoke detectors inside a barn always made me scratch my head, especially when no one lived on top or inside of it. What's the point in detectors if no one is there to respond or hear it with immediate action, you know?

[Bogey2]

if your insurance covered your stuff then what is the issue? You will get money for your equipment right?
you said none of your belongings was replaced in an earlier post.

[JumpItHighPie]

if your insurance covered your stuff then what is the issue? You will get money for your equipment right?
you said none of your belongings was replaced in an earlier post.

I'm sorry, do I know you????

Nothing replaced by HIS insurance company. Sure.... $500 bucks later and remaining emotionally traumatized for the rest of the horse life, - no issues.

[Bogey2]

no you don't know me, I just wanted clarification about the coverage. You did not mention that YOU were covered. Assuming the owners did not set the fire don't you think they are suffering as well?
The insurance coverage is not HIS fault, the insurers does not offer such coverage. I don't think the BO's should be bad mouthed on a BB about something they don't control....do you?

[JumpItHighPie]

no you don't know me, I just wanted clarification about the coverage. You did not mention that YOU were covered. Assuming the owners did not set the fire don't you think they are suffering as well?
The insurance coverage is not HIS fault, the insurers does not offer such coverage. I don't think the BO's should be bad mouthed on a BB about something they don't control....do you?

We'll have to agree to disagree on this one. Facts are facts. I'm simply detailing my experience. Relating yourself to what you feel is "his position" (which you very well cannot possibly begin to understand without all the details) is developing your sense of sorrow for this man. PM me for any information.

[JumpItHighPie]

Bogey you have a PM.

[RockHardHello]

Heard someone from NY bought the place. Hope history doesn't repeat.

[alteringwego]

Does the barn really need supplies because I'd think that their insurance should/would cover this type of thing. I know of a boarding barn that burned in Georgia where horses died and most all of the equipment was completely destroyed. The owner received a check with in days from the insurance company and he began delegating monies owed to boarders. Sure they were scrambling for a few days but were able to replace their property.

Spinoff: if a horse dies in a fire and is insured who pays? Shouldn't both the barn's insurance company pay and the horse's insurance company? Never considered it before...

[JumpItHighPie]

I'm coming to find it is not that easy and everything is in the specifics. In my case because barn owner was "not responsible" that somehow voids the boarders equipment in coverage under his policy. This also held true with the horses. Evidently each covered to $10,000 but again nothing held to it since owner was not responsible. Though owner is receiving a check to rebuild. I would request a copy of your barn's policy and boarding agreement and take a good look at them side by side.