GA Flood-Leslie Olsen-dressage judge needs help Horse Missing-Farm Destroyed

[RogersChapelFarm]

Here is the email I recieved. Leslie's farm web page is http://www.willowbrookequestriancenter.com/

I don't know if anything is established to send donations but her address and contact info is on the web page. This info came through GDCTA.


Leslie Olsen's farm in Villa Rica was totally destroyed, and her brother that lives on the property was almost killed as his trailer was swept away by the flood waters. He survived by breaking a window and crawling out, where he hung onto a tree branch from midnight until the next morning when someone showed up at the barn. All the horses were accounted for except for 3 that were taken away by the flood waters. One was found alive, across a creek, one found dead and one is still missing. Leslie's farm is near the Liberty Road & Ephesus Church Road in Villa Rica, and I believe the creek that runs behind her barn feeds into Dog River. If anyone lives in that area, please have them look out for the missing horse. We have searched the creek's path, but haven't seen a sign. He is a 16h gelding, flea-bitten grey andalusion/lusitano cross with a grey tail and mane. His name is Rico, and he is very people oriented, so he will respond to his name. If anyone sees any sign of him, please call Mary Beth Calio at (404) 909-0415.

[MistyBlue]

Saw the thread on Off Course too...can't imagine the worry of not being able to find Rico. And her poor farm...lots of mud and destruction. :no:

[piaffequeen]

Hope this has a happy ending! Sending thoughts and prayers from NC!

[LeslieOlsen]

Saying "thank you" is just not enough. When we first saw the devastation to Willowbrook Equestrian Center that was caused by the recent flood, we thought we'd never be able to recover. The facility seemed to be beyond repair. Stall doors were ripped-off, all fence lines were gone and an endless mass of mud covered the barn.

My brother Terry O'Neal was asleep in his mobile home behind the barn when he was awakened by his dog, Little Girl. The fast-rising water picked up the trailer and carried it about 300 feet away. He managed to break out a window and they escaped at 1 AM that Monday. He spent the rest of the night in a tree. Little Girl was later found wet and cold, but alive and well.

Aside from the physical destruction, we were unable to locate 3 of our 9 horses. Later that day, we found Bud grazing in a field a half-mile away from the barn. This gave us hope that we would find the other two. Unfortunately, they did not survive. We found Bear the next day and Fredrico 2 days later. I'd like the thank the local pilots who helped conduct an aerial search for Fredrico. Bear and 'Rico' will always be missed but never forgotten. Bear was owned by Erica Stoll and Fredrico was owned by Karen Mackay.

Everyone at Willowbrook felt broken in half, but within hours the equestrian community, neighbors and friends rallied to our aid. Our remaining horses were evacuated immediately, thanks to West Georgia Riding Academy. Phone calls and eMails offering assistance began immediately, volunteers arrived and repairs began. It is truly wonderful to know that the equestrian community really does look after each other. Without this support, the recovery process would be impossible.

I would not have had the strength to rebuild the farm if it hadn't been for all of your support. I cannot adequately express my heartfelt gratitude for all calls, eMails and donations. I am continued to be overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support.

We are still down, but not out. We will see you again soon, 'the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise'.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Leslie O'Neal Olsen