SILVERWOOD FARM SEVERELY HIT BY TORNADO! UPDATES ON PAGE 8!

[Norsire]

This is the short version, as I just wrote this long post about what I know and somehow hit the wrong key and it wiped it out! This report is from a 9 year old friend of Tori's that was there when it hit. From her grandmother to a neighbor friend of mine! So, here goes again. Her Indoor was completely wiped out!! GONE! The stallion are in the barn connected directly to the indoor, but I'm told the stallions are OK! Liz's mother inlaw Rosie was in a camper she lives in next to the indoor and it was picked up and dumped completely upside down, I'm again told she is OK! Her 4 horse trailer was picked up and dropped in the creek or the field by the creek..not clear on this one yet! I did not hear anything about the bank barn or the house, so assuming they were not involved. I have been unable to reach Liz by phone and called a friend to go check on her..he could not get through due to trees down!!! I'm told the little girl was walked home by her parents, so there is a way to walk in...I am leaving now to go check on her...I will report back ASAP once I know what really happened there. So, Liz will not be online for a while. She really needs jingles now!!!!!!!!!!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif

[Norsire]

This is the short version, as I just wrote this long post about what I know and somehow hit the wrong key and it wiped it out! This report is from a 9 year old friend of Tori's that was there when it hit. From her grandmother to a neighbor friend of mine! So, here goes again. Her Indoor was completely wiped out!! GONE! The stallion are in the barn connected directly to the indoor, but I'm told the stallions are OK! Liz's mother inlaw Rosie was in a camper she lives in next to the indoor and it was picked up and dumped completely upside down, I'm again told she is OK! Her 4 horse trailer was picked up and dropped in the creek or the field by the creek..not clear on this one yet! I did not hear anything about the bank barn or the house, so assuming they were not involved. I have been unable to reach Liz by phone and called a friend to go check on her..he could not get through due to trees down!!! I'm told the little girl was walked home by her parents, so there is a way to walk in...I am leaving now to go check on her...I will report back ASAP once I know what really happened there. So, Liz will not be online for a while. She really needs jingles now!!!!!!!!!!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif

[Painted Wings]

Wow. Thanks for the report. Hope nobody was hurt. Please keep us posted.

Jingles.

[graystonefarm]

OMG!!! I hope everyone's ok. Jingles from Ohio.

[Daydream Believer]

OMG! I will jingle like crazy here for everyone at Silverwood both human and not. Please let us know when you find out more.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

OMG! That is horrible. I knew there were lots of tornados in her area and I was worried about her and the many many other folks who live there. I hope she and her family and horses are ok. Thanks for posting this and we are looking forward to your update.

[Anywhere*but*here]

That's a shame... I really hope everyone is ok!

[Home Again Farm]

Jingles from FL. This has been a hideously freaky weather year for so many -- from hurricane ravaged FL to tornadoes, floods and the like further north.

[MistyBlue]

Jingles and prayers for Liz at Silverwood...hoping the reports stay that nobody was injured human or equine.
Please update when possible and let Liz know we're jingling.

[HopelessHunter]

I hope to God that Liz is ok. I'm sending her severe curb chain jingles right now - and please do update as soon as possible! I hope everyone is ok! Hurricanes are the scariest things sometimes...

[sixpoundfarm]

Please keep us posted. Jingling for Liz and her family.

[showjumpers66]

JINGLES from Tornado Alley!!!

[talloaks]

Ooh my gosh!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Jingling and praying for Liz and her family and all the horses!!! How terrible!!! Hope they all are safe!!!

[mairzeadoats]

I hope that at least part of what you've heard -- that people and horses are ok, is true. Add my prayers and jingles for everyone at Silverwood and everyone else in the path of this storm.

I've read a couple of times now that there is a large weather pattern (decades) that may be on the upswing. So hurricanes for some years may be more like in the 40s and 50s (bigger and more frequent) than in recent decades...

[Norsire]

Very quick update, we are back to get chain saws, water, tractor and ect to go back and help. We did have to walk in!! All the stallion, horses and humans are just fine, physically anyway!!! Not one scratch on a horse or human, dog or cat!!!, but the damage is worst in some ways and better in some ways. Will post more detail later tonight!!! I will let her know everyone is jingling for her!!! I have only seen Liz cry in the 19 years I've know three times, and all three were today in about a span of 10 minutes, so she is pretty devesated. There are several friends there to help out, so she is very happy and grateful for that right now. We plan to get her drunk tonight at her favorite mexican resturant...I told her I was taking her there and she did smile about that! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Louise]

Jingles that all of the people and horses are OK.

Edited to add that I just saw Norsire's post. Good news that all are OK. Wishes that I could be there to help.

[showjumpers66]

Great to hear that everyone is okay!

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

Norsire, thanks for the update. You are a good friend and I am glad you are there to help her. Sounds like she needs a Margarita or 10.

[msrobin]

Reading about her crying is bringing tears to my eyes.
I am so sorry to hear about that. I lived through a tornado when I was little and I can tell you when it storms hard I am scared to death like a little bird at a rock concert.

That fear will never go away but it makes you more knowledgable as to what storms can bring and the damage it does. Glad everyone is ok.

If there is anything anyone can do please let us know.

Bless Silverwood Farm

Jingles from Georgia.

[ltw]

I will be there tonight to help Liz drown her frustrations in a Margarita. Norsire, I got a phone call from a friend calling from a cell phone at the Liz's property asking me to try to reach Liz's insurance agent as we both use the same company and Liz could not find the number in her policy.

Here is the emergency number for Ace Insurance: 1-800-585-9624 press 9 to get to the weekend operators or try: 1-800-352-4462.

Can you please get these numbers to her. I have been trying to call but all phone service is down for your area.

I also called her and my agent from AH&T. Tara will be coming to Liz's farm tomorrow morning.

I can pass this to Liz at the restaurant tonight but thought you might be able to tell her today so she knows that people are trying to help her but cannot reach her.

[caryledee]

OMG, how horrible!! I am SO glad no one was hurt, but can only imagine the pain they must be going through.
I send my thoughts and prayers...I wish I could do more! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[CathyKb]

Jingles and prayers from Texas. Wish I was close, so I could help in some way. So thankful no one was hurt. Please keep us updated.

[camohn]

More jingles. At least the buildings can be rebuilt and the critters are OK> We had a near miss a few weeks ago when the diary barn 2 doors down was taken out by a tornado too.

[Carol Ames]

Blessings on alll those who are helping liz, and, the animals; when, I heard the weather reports , I was, afraid that some, I knew, horses,and, humans, might have been effected http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif.I feel very removed from that life, sitting in abrick apartment, surrounded by asphalt, and, concrete http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sleepy.gif; I have always said that people in that country,esp. farmers, and, horse people in particular, look out for oneanother. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif You can be sure that all will be remembered in our prayers in church sunday http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif!

[hunt_jump]

More jingles for Liz. I am glad that they are all physically ok. These storms are so vicious - I too saw a reference to us being in a 20 year cycle with an increase in hurricanes. Not what those of us left in FL - or pretty much anyone in the south or east - want to hear.

[breezymeadow]

GOOD LORD - Liz of all people.

My favorite stallion-owner extraordinaire!!!! I haven't even THOUGHT of breeding my TB mares to anyone else's stallions. In fact, we were just e-mailing about just that a couple of days ago.

Please, please tell her my thoughts & prayers are with her!!!!

[Courtknee202]

Oh my lord how scary! Lots of prayers and jingles. If any help is needed cleaning up or re-building I would love to help!

[Rubs Not Pats]

I have had my property severly damaged by a tornado in South Florida as a kid. Having been through hurricanes, this was much worse. Liz, I am thinking of you and wishing you strength as you rebuild. May your facility be even better than it was before. I am so thankful that you, your boys and everyone living is OK. Structures can be rebuilt, some things can not! I wish I was closer to pitch in and help out.

[Norsire]

Laura she is with AH&T not Ace! But, will let her know you reached AH&T to come tomorrow morning! I am here getting more stuff and going back so will take the numbers to her! Thanks! She will be in Marg. heaven tonight at the Mexican place for sure! Someone there said, to her "come to dinner at our house tonight and Liz said, "we'll see", then I told the lady, we had already said we would take her to Mexican to get her full of Marq. and she said oh OK, we'll be there!!! I better call the Mexican place and let them know there will be about 20 for a Tornato party, of all things! More update tonight~!

[Norsire]

OK, I'm still waiting for Fred to return from another barn down the road with chain saws, so will post more now.
The Indoor is only 1/4 gone, whole front half is completely gone, but other 3/4 there..so I'm sure Morton can fix it up for her.
The horse trailer is not in creek field or in creek, but is completely on it's side, with an axle missing...oh no Fred is back..Bye more later

[ltw]

HI Bridgette:

AH&T is the agent, Ace is the underwrighter. I spoke with Tara (AH&T) this morning. She gave me the numbers for Ace. She instructed me to tell Liz to do any emergency repairs necessary and call the 1-800 numbers for ACE. Ace will assign a claims adjuster first thing Monday morning. I cannot get through to Liz, no phones working in your area. I am relying on you or Jeannette via cell phone to get this info to her.

Here is Tara's numbers too:540-687-8448, Cell: 703-477-3144 (cell)

[ExclusiveKiss]

Sending well wishes her way too... also from tornado alley.

I am so happy nobody was hurt, that is amazing luck. There must have been a "herd" or guardian angels watching out for her, her family and her animals.

[ltw]

Sending well wishes as well to all the folks in Florida.

MaryLou: I hope everything is OK at your place and that Ivan did not hit you. Your mare is doing fine. She survived weaning and the storms last night. I was checking all horses with flashlights in the dark last night as we were hit by lightning and lost power. But got it back today with spotty phone service.

I apologize to the moderators for using this board for personal communication but email and phone service are not reliably working the last couple of days due to all of the hurricane remnants on the east coast.

Thanks to the Chronicle for providing this forum as it sure helps to put people together in times of need!!!!

[Future Breeder]

That's horrible!! Jingling like crazy for Liz, and her family (horses and human)! That's amazing that no one was hurt, and talk about extremely lucky! I hope everything comes together for her.

[Kneigh]

Heartfelt jingles from California. SO Glad all the horses and other animals and people are oka!. And Kudos too for all you wonderful people helping Liz.

[LLDM]

Glad to hear everyone is healthy! But, more importantly, what does Liz NEED?????

We could use a list! Water, Hay, Buckets, Water tubs? Please let us know if she needs any emergency supplies. I can think of a million things, from Regumate to fence repair supplies to limes!

Please let us know what she's lost and what is critical. I am sure we can come up with whatever she needs.

And please, give her our hugs.

SCFarm

[race_run_jump]

I'm close enough to come over if you need help - or stuff - just let me know. Erika

[carosello]

Liz Im so sorry that mother nature is beating on your door once again. Jingles for chain saws and extra hands to help you out in your time of need. The most important thing is everyone is OK. <hugs>

[Spot]

Liz - here's hoping all of the damage isnt as bad as first anticipated

big {{{HUGS}}} - glad that you are all okay

"Spot"

[M.K.Smith]

Liz,

Sending jingles your way. Thank God all of the critters & humans are fine!

MKB...

[Laurie@CBF]

Sending prayers from NJ that people and animals are ok. So sad to hear this. Please let us know what the "long distance" people can do to help.

[HFSH]

Thank goodness no no one is hurt! Liz I'm so sorry but thankful you are okay!

[Dancing Lawn]

Oh my, I just read this thread. I'm so glad that no one was hurt.
I'll have a marguerita for Liz tonight, and toast to your rebuilding!

[maple_brook]

Sending jingles from New England! So glad to hear everyone, human, horses, dogs and cats, are ok!

[HSGFarms]

Sending lots of Jingles and prayers to Liz and her family!

[Fairview Horse Center]

OH, MY! Sending thoughts and prayers to Liz and her family. Let me know if there is anyhing I can do.

[can't re-]

Eek! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Lots of ****jingles**** for you.

So glad that everyone, human and four-legged, is OK.

[Sonesta]

Bridgette, please give Liz our love here in Houston and tell her Kathy Mann (now St. Martin) and Joss Mottershead are here right now and we will also be drinking margaritas and sending jingles to her tonight. If we can do anything or send anything from here besides jingles, let us know.

[Norsire]

Ok, must forgive for all typos now, as I don't have time to proof anything...and this is beyond my normal typos!!! I'm not one to go back to proof read anything.
Indoor is 1/4 gone in front and good news is Morton Buildings, according to Liz will rebuild the indoor damagmed part for FREE!!!! 100%..she said it is in their 50 year warranty.. Can some one please check this out for me to pass onto her and confirm!! We need to get a hold of Mike Menton in the Culpepper office to have him out ASAP!!! The county stopped by this morning and comdemded her indoor and tried to condem her barn attached to it with the 5 stallios, plus a 6 stallion who came in last night to be safe, as his farm was short one stall, due to friend running from hurricane down there...so 6 stallions and no where to go...Liz begged them to not condem it and they finally gave in and let the stallions stay in their barn...it is safe and uneffected where they are. We got 2 paddocks rebuilt today for more room for the two ponies who were in a run way b/w paddocks and one other paddock rebuilt. The mother inlaws camper got removed from under the side of the indoor that completely fell on it and her car was pulled from under the indoor too.. The friend's horse trailer was removed from under the truck and seem to be OK. The tractor was flipped back up and is running and working on the farm!!! Fred and I cut out all the trees from the back of the house so they can get in and out of their house by door now.. amazing thing was the glass padio table was under this mess of trees upagainst the house and when we got to it 11/2 hours later, all the chairs and the glass in the table were unharmed. The horse trailer is TOTALED!! It was litterally lifted up and over the truck, tractor an one other horse trailer and dumped up hill about 1,000 feet away!!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif The ramp was in another field and the tire and axle from under neath the trailer has never been found on the 30 acre farm!!!!! We saw pieces of the indoor 3 miles away on 287!!! The house only has minor damage to the roof and the bank barn minor damage to roof. One run in shed is missing the whole roof. Fences are down for 100s of feet in places and some place just hit or miss.
Laura, I did give Liz your message and they have the numbers in hand to call the insurance people.
I am speak for myself and not Liz, but if anyone was planning on buying a breeding to any of her stallions and can pay by pay pal on her site, I'm sure it would greatly help to check on pay pal on Monday and find some extra money in her account and some sold breeding for it!! I know until the insurance pays they will be eating out and ect and need some extra cash! She did have some friends come over and hook a generator up to her well pump so she can water the horses. She and her family will be here soon for showers and if she has time before we leave for dinner I will see if she wants to post from my puter to say hey to everyone!!! I did tell her everyone was jingling for her.
She went to Pen's Orinetial for lunch today, for lunch and the dam place caught on fire and then she went to magnolias and the waiter spilled a beer...so she thinks trouble is following her...she was laughing about not even ordering and Pen's catching on fire..so they left there quickly. I thinks she is doing very well considering!!! I will pass on all your jingles again for you guys!!!

[AuntieSha]

When I saw that there was a tornado near Purcellville yesterday, I was so nervous for you guys! I am truly glad to hear that no one was hurt! Liz, I am so sorry for your losses... Many Jingles!

Shannon

[HopelessHunter]

I am glad to hear that nobody is hurt. I can imagine how devastated Liz must be. Let her know that we are here for her 100% through the whole thing. You are a great person for going over to help and let us know how she is doing. I wish I could help, and I would if I lived a bit closer. God bless her.

[Silly Mommy]

Sending my payers her way.

I was feeling put upon by mother nature (see post on H/J) for getting flooded 2 weeks in a row, but that's nothing compared to this!

So very glad the humans and critters are OK - how's Dampig?

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

Wow, that is awful. I am glad to hear everyone is fine. Thanks for the update and still sending Jingles to Liz and her family and horses.

[mbamissaz]

Liz, I am so sorry to hear one of those tornados came through your farm. They seemed to be everywhere last night!! We just dropped a horse off at Hilltop this afternoon and a tornado touched down just a mile from them...and killed 2 people.

If there is anything we "locals" can do to help, please let us know.....and I am so relieved to hear no humans or animals were hurt http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[sprucie]

I'm glad to hear everyone is OK, and it is "just" property damage. What a freaky weather pattern for this year http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif

[Toadie's mom]

Thinking about you, and "your's" Liz. Glad everyone is OK. I called Lois Drury and we both wish we were there to help. Sounds like you have wonderful friends there to help you though! I am drinking with y'all however. It's the least I can do. LOL

[onetempies]

OMG... she is soooooo lucky to come out of that unharmed, same for the horses! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Major jingles from Michigan! Thanks so much for keeping us posted!

[crestline]

HOLY COW!! Liz...so glad no humans or critters were hurt but I can't even imagine what you are going through! Embarrassing that I had the nerve to complain about our rainy weather today....Please let us know if there is anything us out of towners can do to help. We're thinking of you...

[Mardi]

Prayers and good wishes for you, Liz, and your beautiful horses http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[Norsire]

HI, all! I just got back from Margaritaville with Liz and a few friends!! She was in pretty good spirits when she left and her power I believe is on now. I told her it would not be 5 days, as her neighbor is a head hancho at the power company and he was not going to go with out power for 5 days! Everyone had a great time at the Mexican place. Tori her daughter was so tired and understandablely so, she is only 9 and she went to the car to sleep and Nico my wonder dog was put in the truck with her as her guard dog so she could go to sleep and when we came out an hour later she was completely knocked out..I hope the poor little girl does have sweet dreams tonight...she has been through alot in about 24 hours now. We understand the insurace company is coming torrowow, but the adjustment people will not be out until Monday. I think, Liz will feel better once she knows, that they are going to pay quickly and get her farm back to normal for her. We only put a small dent in it today. Once the tree people can come in and clean up it will help alot. I don't think she has one single tree untouched on the farm...she had some gorgeous old oaks that are just simply gone. I let her know everyone is jingling for her and I hope she will post soon. I think if she has power and her puter is OK you will hear from her tomorrow. And she will most likely post some photos for you to see the increditble damage that was done. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif

[Norsire]

PS....forgot this strange tid bit from today...the three mares that Liz last saw huddled in the shed with no roof on it where completely across the 5 acre field all huddled together whens he came out and all two of the three had their halters sucked off of them and were laying on the top of the fence. Heaven the old gal who had the surprise foal last year, was very sore and stiff..Liz asked me to check her out..as she was very slow and sore in appearance...we are thinking they were actually picked up in the tornato and put down on the completely opposite side of the field and that is why old Heaven who is 25 years old this year was so darn sore..from a possible crash landing when the tornato picked them up and then dropped them again. But, one of the three mares in that field still had her halter on..and the halters were still buckeled and not broken????? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[Mardi]

The halters were still buckled and laying on the fence ???? THAT is incredible http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[pintofoal]

Thank you all so much for your well wishes and jingles. I have never been so devastated and at the same time so uplifted. I have found out how many really good friends and neighbors I have and despite how cold the world/people can seem nowadays that is simply not the case around here. I am truly thankful to God, we have been spared any damage to our physical self's and our animals have all made it through, That is the most important thing and again I thank God it could have been much worse. At this point know all is well with ourselves and our animals I am most saddened by the fear my family/child endured, the loss of the beauty of my farm, it will never be the same. We lost so many trees that are 100+ years old, something that no amount of insurance can replace. My farm as a once knew it is never more.

On the up side, we have such wonderful people surrounding us and in our lives. I want to thank each and every one of you and there are too many to list but you know who you are...Bridget/Fred, Lauren and her family, Tiffany, Jeanette, all of our neighbors the list goes on and on. I got to go out tonight and get all tanked up on Margaritas I feel a bit better http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif I got to come home to power!!!!! and can hardly believe my Internet is working. We have months and months of repairs but we are ready and again thank God we where spared true tradedy. Thank you again for all who help and everyone's well wishes who couldn't be here, we truly appreciate it.

As always (you know me and the old camera) I have a few pictures, but it hardly scratches the serface of the damage here. Our barn, fencing and run in sheds are literally spread through out the area for miles in trees and yards through out. Anyone who finds the axle and tire to my trailer let me know http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif I am curious where the heck they end up.

[pintofoal]

I think this one is of one of our sheds

[pintofoal]

and our 4 horse trailer again and house in back ground--we had many, many more trees which are all gone now, but spared the house http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

[Norsire]

I'm so glad you can post again!! So, this means the wonder graphics machine/puter is up and running with power again! Thanks godness! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif Stil feel good after the margaritas? Hope so..get a good nights sleep. Did Little Miss Tori May stay a sleep all the way home and into the house? Hope so..night! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[breezymeadow]

Oh Liz - how awful!!!! And while I know that you'll miss your trees - I also know that you will repair/build up Silverwood just as good as new.

And good grief - if you need any help at all - please don't hesitate to contact me. I ain't much good with a chainsaw, but can certainly help horsewise & cleaningupwise. (Oh - & Margherita-wise as well - lol!!!!!)

How did your husband's sculpture studio fair??? Was thinking of him as well.

[Summershyne7]

I live in the South East part of Alabama known as Mobile. We too just got hit by a big storm. Well, while we on the west side of Mobile Bay got spared the worst of Ivan's damage, one can still see downed powerlines and beautiful old oak trees (think "Gone with the Wind," no pun intended!) torn up from the ground by their roots. I cannot imagine the devestation on the east side of the bay in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Pensacola. I work at a Books-a-Million as my night job, and was told today that the Pensacola store (51 miles east of us) is a total, 100% loss. Reporters have repeatedly commented on how random nature has been; one house has been completely torn down to the foundation and the one next door has lost just a few shingles.
Several people I have talked to have said that huge trees fell five feet from their house (including my grandmother's) or that if a certain tree had fallen any way but the way it did, it would have hit a house. While I do believe that God has temporarily allowed another control of the weather (why else would Jesus have needed to rebuke a storm?), I am grateful that He does show His mercy in the midst of it.
I am truly sorry that your beautiful farm was devestated by that tornado, Pintofoal, but I am glad that both you and your beautiful horses were spared. But hey, Diamonds are only coal until they are put under pressure!

[Tiki]

Good Lord Liz!!! I heard about the tornado hitting the Purcellville/Lovettsville area and had the horrible thought that it was you. I am horrified to hear that it was. Let me know if there is anything I can do. My heart is with you.

[Jo]

Liz, I'm so glad that you and yours are alright. Material possessions are easy to replace but people aren't. Good luck with the upcoming recovery - wish I could be there to help!

[Zydeco Farm]

Liz, More jingles, thoughts and prayers from southeast Louisiana. Know that this too, will pass and your place will be beautiful again. Hugs to you and yours.

Terri

[imajicadutch]

What a horrible story, Liz. It must have been terrifying! To see your beloved farm taken apart by Mother Nature must be akin to being in a war with a faceless enemy. I wish you the best for a speedy rebuilding.

[sophab]

Liz...lots and lots of jingles from NH...including our new mare from Canter jingling away...
How fortunate that the damage was only to buildings...and hey, if bad things come in 3s, you've got this and 2 restaurants, I think you're safe for a little while! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
I hope for a speedy recovery for your property.

[Norsire]

Sophab, now what is this tiny little mention of a "new mare from canter?"..that I've heard nothing about in an e-mail...the queen of questions and inquiries when you e-mail me...now you have to spill and post a photo!!! Who bought the mare you or your sister...or both? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[2Dogs]

I finally caught up with this thread. Oh my o my, what a scary terrible story!!! Like others before - the fact that everything living is safe is the best news. I am so sorry for the property damage and the old trees http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif . Jingling for all -

[Esprit]

Oh my Goodness. I'm just reading this now, you're away for a few days and this happens. I am so sorry.

There's obviously not much I can do from up here, but I'm jingling for you and your family and of course the horses. But - IF there is anything I can do, phone calls, emails, send out videos for your stallions, seriously - ANYTHING - please call me.

Take care Liz and I'm so happy that your family wasn't injured.

[Daydream Believer]

Wow. You are so so lucky to be unharmed. Thank God for that! I'm astounded at those pictures and the horrible damange but so happy to hear you and all your critters were unharmed. I feel your pain about the trees....and I also grieve with you for their loss. I cherish my trees also. I can't imagine how the halters got off those mares like that and the mares are unharmed... I think you must have a very good guardian angel!

I also wish I were closer. If you need anything, please let us know.

[Adelita]

Good Lord, Liz. Your family has one heck of a guardian angel, if none of you or your critters was hurt.

Do you need anything that us far away COTHers can send?

(((((((hugs))))))) to you all. We love you.
Linda

[DizzyMagic]

I hate tornados - they do such weird things - awful things. Haven't seen damage this bad since I left Arkansas; we are usually spared such horrors here!

Anyway - thinking about Silverwood Farm and so grateful that that everyone is ok there. Norsire, I'm local and would be glad to help out if she needs anything (I know, she must need everything!!). My horse is just up the road, so I go by there frequently.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Norsire:
PS....forgot this strange tid bit from today...the three mares that Liz last saw huddled in the shed with no roof on it where completely across the 5 acre field all huddled together whens he came out and all two of the three had their halters sucked off of them and were laying on the top of the fence. Heaven the old gal who had the surprise foal last year, was very sore and stiff..Liz asked me to check her out..as she was very slow and sore in appearance...we are thinking they were actually picked up in the tornato and put down on the completely opposite side of the field and that is why old Heaven who is 25 years old this year was so darn sore..from a possible crash landing when the tornato picked them up and then dropped them again. But, one of the three mares in that field still had her halter on..and the halters were still buckeled and not broken????? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

Liz,

I am glad to see that you are back online. I am so sorry for all of the damage to your farm but I am so relieved that you, your family and lovey animals are fine. Those pics are awful. I live about 3 or so hours away but I would be willing to go down there to help if you should find you need it. Maybe a group of us could come and help out. Just say the words. Thank you for your update. May you see NO MORE DRAMA for a long long time. Enough is enough. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Erin Pittman]

Holy Cow!!!! Liz, your place is unrecognizable!! I am sooooo glad to hear no humans/horses/animals were hurt! Please let us people in the general area know if you need anything - I'm with Amy, I'd be willing to come help. Maybe you could schedule a big Clean-Up Silverwood Farm Day? We could bring Margarita fixings to help it along.... Jingling from Southern Maryland!

Erin

[caryledee]

How on earth did you manage to survive this with no injuries?? Its truly amazing!!
I can imagine the terror you must have felt when it was happening...you really must have a guardian angel!!

[Bumpkin]

Glad to see that you have so many helping you out. I know what you mean about your trees, I have some huge ones here, and every time I loose one to high winds, I am very sad.
If you need anything, you know you have many, many FRIENDS on the COTH BB who will help you out.

[Bumpkin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by crestline:
HOLY COW!! Liz...so glad no humans or critters were hurt but I can't even imagine what you are going through! Embarrassing that I had the nerve to complain about our rainy weather today....Please let us know if there is anything us out of towners can do to help. We're thinking of you... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Andrea, I was thinking the same thing yesterday, and the night before putting my animals up. Then I felt guilty, because we have nothing compared to everyone on the East Coast. Now I hope that we don't get an earthquake.... for that thought.

[Oakstable]

Liz, Where were your horses doing the storm?

So glad to hear that everyone is safe. Were you in the house during the blowing?

I grew up in Wisconsin and remember going down into the basement with my parents when I was a little girl. Fortunately, nothing touched land.

~Sally

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Oakstable:
Liz, Where were your horses doing the storm?

~Sally <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That is a good question. You could help end the age old arguement of whether they should be in or out during a tornado/storm. Lemme guess, some were in and some were out.

[wanderlust]

Liz, I'm so sorry about the damage to your farm. Those pictures are astounding. It is amazing the amount of damage that can be done by mother nature.

Thank god your animals, house and family came out of everything okay. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[Norsire]

Liz, hubby, Tori and one of Tori's friends were in the stone cellar under the farm house when it hit...hubby's mother was in her camper right by the indoor arena and all the horses were out in their fields, except the stallions who were all in their stalls...the barn part of the indoor was not affected at all!

[sophab]

Bridget, you're a love for keeping us update. How's the cleanup going?
Did you see the new mare yet? I bet you'd like her... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Oakleigh]

Goodness, those photos are impressive representations of the power of a tornado! It's amazing that there were so few injuries. I hope your mare, Heaven, recovers quickly from her experience. Did you say that Hubby's mother was in the trailer? Is that the trailer that is sitting in the middle of the road in the picture? Was she ok???

Please let me know if there is anything I can send you to help with your recovery!

Best wishes,
Oakleigh

[lorik]

Liz,
I just got on line and read all of this. I'm here jingling for you. If there's anything...and I mean ANYTHING, I can do to help you, please, PLEASE let me know. Just give me a call.
Lori

[Nikita]

Wow Liz, I'm just stunned by not only your description but the pictures as well. Mother Nature just doesn't fool around somedays, does she?

I'm so glad to hear that you and your family (both two and four legged) are ok and that the injuries are relatively minor. Take care. {{{{{Hugs}}}}}

[pintofoal]

I put some photos up on my website and will elaborate on them more and about things that where done such as horses in or out doors/windows shut or open later on. http://www.silverwoodfarm.com/tornado.htm I think everything is catching up with me today I am so tired. The most frustrating thing right now is the insurance adjusters don't seem to work on the weekends, so we can only do so much at this point before they get here. We've had many wonderful people stop by and offer but we've been having to turn them away--the insurance company answering service said only do what you need to secure the place/make it passable, etc., but to leave major stuff alone until they can see it. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif Thanks again for all the well wishes and offers of help.

[valmom]

Liz, jingles from New England. I've just read this thread, and I'm glad no living things were hurt. Insurance will wend it's time consuming way through the process, and will come through, eventually. Unfortunately the trees are irreplaceable in your life time- I also mourn losing trees. The pictures are unbelievable.

[Castlegate]

Liz: Major jingles to you and your family...two and four legged! Thank goodness no one was injured...someone was certainly looking out for you!

[Fred]

oh my Liz, I am so sorry for you!! I only just saw this, and am sending big hugs and positive energy - I wish I could do more!!
I'm just glad you and all the creatures are unhurt!!

[jlg]

((((Liz & family))))

Thank goodness everyone is all right! Barns and fences can be replaced. Lives cannot. Keep your chin up!!

God Bless!

[Arado]

So glad to know that you and your family are safe[as well as your beautiful horses] I have family [and grew up] in your area and the devastation is truly horrid.Take care.Your farm may never be what it was[your oaks] but, I do hope you will find continued happiness there.

[Gucci]

Jingles and prayers for you, your family and everybody on 4.

[sit up]

My trainer's horse was taken by a tornado from the barn one year when a big one went through her farm.

The mare was in the barn, the tornado came, the barn went and they found the mare five fields away with parts of the barn. She could jump the moon but my trainer really believed that she was taken there by the tornado.

The poor mare never set foot on that barn site again. They rebuilt the barn but the mare said no way and wouldn't go near it.

She survived with a few scrapes and lived many healthy/happy years out of the barn. When they moved to a new farm, the mare went into the barn again. Go figure.

[In The Gate]

OMG Liz, I'm so glad everyone's okay. The pictures of your farm are... well, there really isn't a word I can come up with to describe it.

I know I'm no where near you, but if there's anything I can do to help, please let me knoe.

I've admired your stallions from the first time someone showed me your websiste and someday I hope to have enough time and experience to raise a foal myself.

[equescool]

So thankful humans, horses and all others were safely brought through this scarey event.

Plant trees. It honors those lost. So thankful everyone is safe~!!! So sorry you had to go through it at all. EQ

[flshgordon]

oh WOW, Those pictures just send chills up my spine!!! Lots of prayers being sent your way and I'm so glad you and all of your beautiful horses are OK. I can't imagine how terrified you must have been in that shelter. Please let the COTHers know if there is anything we can do for you---even tho some of us are far away!

[blackstallion]

I'm glad none of your horses or family were hurt either, Liz. You've survived a horse farm owner's worst nightmare http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif In the last couple of years, living on the Eastern Shore of Virginia has been safer than living inland! I can remember going to my parents in Chesterfield after Isabel and just being shocked at the downed trees. It seemed to get worse the closer we got to Richmond. The rest of us have been very lucky this hurricane season (so far).

[Everythingbutwings]

How horrible!

I'm so glad that you and the animals made it through the devastation. I'd be glad to help make up part of a fencing crew if you need it.

[okggo]

I just can't believe this, I'm so sorry. I was just there for the Old. inspection and had taken around 50 photos and vividly remember the place, then I looked at the pics you just posted and got tears in my eyes. I'm so very sorry Liz, thank god you and your family (2 and 4 legged) were not hurt. You'll be in my prayers.

[mistyjewell]

Sorry I just got to this thread! I don't have the internet at home.

All I can say is I'm so glad the horses and humans and other animals are all ok. But to see thoses photos, wow. It is so shocking, and makes me feel so bad.

I'm in MD, and probably not close enough to help out fixing anything, but please let me (and I am assuming others) know if you need anything for you or your horses, such as food, or buckets, or anything, I'm sure we could get it to you!

And Lots of Jingles going out to you and everyone effected by this storm!

[Draygonfyne]

I just managed to get back on COTH this morning....I'm so glad to hear everyone made it through okay.

[SaddleFitterVA]

I don't usually read the SHB forum, but a link from the other thread in Off Course sent me over here.

Liz, I'm very happy that your family and horses are safe, and I'm VERY sorry for the heartbreaking damage to your farm.

Mel

[frugalannie]

Another one thankful that all the beating heart and warm-blooded creatures made it through safely.

Liz, sending you endurance, a sense of humor and fortitude as you get things back in order. Thank goodness your house is intact!

And thank goodness you have such supportive and margarita-wielding) friends. Wish we all could be there to help you.

[pcwertb]

Liz, as different as your farm looks now and knowing all the hard work to come, your farm is really BLESSED! The fact that no human or horse or dog/cat sustained any injuries is truly remarkable.

[cinnabar]

Extraordinary photos! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Glad all animals and humans are ok. Jingling for a speedy rebuild.

[FairWeather]

OMG you were so lucky.

Thoughts are with you!

[Timex]

glad to hear that you, your family and all of the animals are ok. truly a terrifying experience

[Piaffe~Passage]

Wow! You are very lucky! Thank god that you, your family and the horses are ok.

[nycjumper]

I just saw this thread. I was thrilled to read that humans & animals alike came through unscathed. I'm glad you're all okay but sorry to read about the farm.

[jilltx]

Liz~~ http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I am so sorry about all the damage, but after viewing all the photos, I can truly say you are one lucky lady!! I can not believe there were not an serious injuries to you, your family or your "fur" family!

Sounds like you have some very good friends helping you out. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Take care! The tress will grow again.

[patch work farm]

Sorry to take so long to post to you Liz, but after seeing your devestation Saturday, I felt so helpless even though I came to help. I couldn't think of any wonderful words of wisdom to cheer you up, (although hopefully all those margaritas helped-they sure helped mehttp://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif). Seeing what happened, the indoor, the trailers (and the skid marks from Tiffany's trailer...), the tractor, your mother in law's car/trailer buried under metal was amazing, even the piece of the indoor hanging from the tree. Also the phenonmenas...the jump standards that whipped completely around the barrels and through to the other side of the indoor-still standing up, the paper towels (how weird was that), the halters sucked off of everyone but Wrickster...all of it left me with a very weird feeling about "mother nature". (BTW, it was Donna and Joe Rogers that got hit on Rte. 704 which is why Dave/Laura could not get through) evidently they have no roofs on any buildings and I believe one of their barns was scattered across the road (I don't know about their livestock).

Something weird has happened to the weather (I always thought that earthquakes hit the western part of the US, tornados were the middle part and hurricanes happened on the east coast...I have lived through two earthquakes in PA) and after being hit with a tornado about 5 years ago and Isabel last year, Purcellville isn't so secure either (of course after I moved here I found out my road was named "tornado alley"). Everyone is so right, it looks awful and you never think it can look the same, but nature has an amazing way of covering up the damage. I thought the same after I lost so many trees 5 years ago and even the huge one that hit the hay shed last year but now I don't even notice they are missing. Be happy that you have a lot of friends who have covered 6 pages of thoughts for you, your family and your animals...it will get better, time does help. We will get you and Sempatico to Devon next week no matter what! I left you a vm this morning, please call if you need anything and ...stick to El Rancho, Pvlle doesn't need to lose any more restaurants http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Hexel]

Liz so sorry for all the devastaion and heartache . I can relate to the loss of trees. Last Sept we lost many old ones to a tornado that did not actually touch down. It simply twisted the tops right off the trees.
I'm glad you and your 4 legged friends made it you are all in my thoughts. Hope things soon get in better order for you. My hat is off to all those helping.

[Cinnybren]

I am SO glad that all your people and animals are safe. Sending prayers and good vibes for speedy reconstruction.

[Amy]

Liz- I am so sorry for the loss but am thankful all the fur kids and humans are safe. Living in a town that was devastated in 1994 from a tornado- no it will never be the same but you will rebuild.

[myhorse]

I am so sorry for you and anyone else that has gone through such a horrible mess.
May the rebuilding go as smoothly as possible.

[Horsecrazy27]

Hello Liz,

This is TAnya in Arizona! I'm in Shock! We had a nice rain storm (we need the rain, not complaining), but it didn't allow us to sign on the computer/internet/ the ground isn't used to so much rain....anyway, just signed on and I'm shocked! I'm so sorry, I have been through a miniture version of what you just went through. In AZ they don't call them a "Tornado", but instead a "Micro Burst"...they have funnel couds and every thing, but still a micro burst. We had one touch down on our property 8 years ago, it took my whole barn and pushed down STEEL fencing! Crumbled a pipe round pin! It also wounded terribly all of my horses---the worst one injured was my stallion at only 18 months old and a brilliant future. He had part of the barn get thrown on top of him and had 3 vertibrea very damaged (smashed).....the others had terrible cuts---legs "de-gloved"....it was the worst feeling, I felt so responsible---don't ask me why.......but, feeling so helpless ...could not help the horses. I'm so, I'm so THANKFUL that you are not dealing with the part that I had to deal with. The other stuff can be replaced. I know it is hard to look upon that crumbled material....but, Praise God he spared you and your 4 legged ones. I will be praying for you and your family...that all goes smoothe with the insurance and I hope that in 5 years you will have triple fold of "goodness" than you ever expected! God Bless,
Tanya

[SportArab]

Liz... I'm so happy to hear nobody was hurt. It's tuff to lose the trees and the buidlings... but in the end, it's the living, breathing beings that are the most important.

Linda

[Silver Sport Horses]

OMG! Glad you guys and the horses are all ok.

Sure wish I was close by I would come help clean up with you guys.

[Norsire]

Hey Patchwork, glad the margarita's helped! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>(BTW, it was Donna and Joe Rogers that got hit on Rte. 704 which is why Dave/Laura could not get through) evidently they have no roofs on any buildings and I believe one of their barns was scattered across the road (I don't know about their livestock).
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I think this is quite a bit blown out of proportion...I drove by Rodger's place on Sunday morning and the largest barn by the road had two pieces of tin flopping up and down...the rest of the roof looked fine and was definately there, so there is a roof on it completely...a barn behind it was missing like 3 feet on one corner of that barn, the rest of the roof was very much on and intact on the second barn as well and unharmed, now if there were barns behind the house that you can't see, maybe this is the "barns" you may have heard about, but at least 2 of the barns had most all of their roofs on. They did have tons of trees on 704 that were blocking the road and had crews still cutting up trees to repair phone and power lines...house looked untouched. Did not see the damage you were told about. Rodges looked like a walk in the park compared to Liz's place from what I saw at both places.

Good news the insurance company did finally show up today around noon, but last report they are still waiting for adjuster, which is the important person.

[CindyGen]

And my friends think I'm crazy because I'm designing a concrete underground barn to build for when we move to Mississippi..... My horses are going to have a bunker when I'm done. I'll probably be living in it with them, but oh well http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Liz I am sorry for your losses with the farm, but again Thank God your family and the horses all escaped uninjured. I'm going to give all mine extra peppermints tonight. They are so precious to me, I can imagine how terrifying the experience would have been.

[Amy]

Liz now posted some discounted stud fees to help generate income for those interested.

I had called Liz about Sempatico before... anyone know how he would cross to a tb mare? She needs a little help on hindend.

[patch work farm]

Yes Bridget, the margaritas helped a LOT, just ask me about how the horse show went yesterday...

Sorry about the report about the Rodgers but I heard it third hand and I also heard their house roof was effected. It was also reported on the news that a barn in Hamilton was destroyed, just put the two reports together (that would be the "assumption" thing)...don't know who else got hit. I will say, Liz' was the worst I have ever seen!

[pintofoal]

Well, we are basically screwed our insurance company which I thought had us so well covered (whom we have used for 20 years and never have made a claim) isn't paying Sh*t, just to give you a basic idea they are only paying us $500 for tree clean up --for all of it (we have over 35 downed tree). NOTHING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for fence/padock repair NOTHING for clean up of property, NOTHING for our tractor, trailer, etc., etc., etc. They will only pay building repairs ONLY that's it nothing around the buildings, nor our runin sheds, or any personal property that wasn't connected to house. I feel like I have been hit in stomach or by another tornado

So those of you who have been so generous with offers of help--we truly can use it now

[CindyGen]

I suggest sicing your attorney on the insurance company and see if that will do any good. That is just ridiculous.

[talloaks]

Liz, last year the hurricane uprooted so many huge old oak trees in our yard, and of course the uprooted trees knocked over other trees!!! We thought a tornado had touched down as so many trees were twisted and broken off. Only one huge oak fell across the double fence. Our insurance company would pay for nothing but the repair of the fence---sure, 3 sections, so we said no thanks, since the deductable is more. We have spent thousands of dollars on cleaning up the 5 acres of trees around the house and towards the barn. Then because we didn't have all the stumps removed, this year we looked like a jumgle with new tree shoots and tall fast growing weeds making this place look like a dump. So we had our tree man come in and grind the stumps, grade and seed and generally clean it all up and now some grass is growing.
With this storm one more tree has uprooted and is leaning against another tree. I said to my hubby, lets just wait until the storm season is over incase we have more damage. Insurance companies can be disheartening. They informed us if the trees fell on our house, they would pay to have those trees removed from our house so the house damage could be repaired. Thank God nothing fell on our house, or barn, or run in , or or--except for uprooting a huge oak falling across the fence into the foal field. I hope your attorney can work our more for you---and what about Morton and the indoor--will they rebuild--or is it excempt because it was an act of nature?? Or some other loop hole???

[Erin Pittman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pintofoal:

So those of you who have been so generous with offers of help--we truly can use it now <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh UGH - that s*cks! Makes me want to check my insurance policy.... I'm serious when I say this, Liz, if you set a date (or two or three) and post it here on the board, I'm betting you'll have a dozen CoTH-ers out there with Chainsaws, wheelbarrows and (wo)manpower!!!!

Erin

[FlowerPower]

My horse Half Magic is boarded at a farm right down the road from you and I saw your place as I went out to see him today - truly awful!!! We should organize a 'clean-up' day!! I would for one would for sure come out and help pick up debris. Do you need that sort of help??? Or can we do another COTH auction?? I have items to donate! Do you have feed/hay/water troughs/bucket/halters/etc.??? I really want to help out if I can - please let us know what you need done!!!!

[RoseWood Stables]

oh, Liz! I am so sorry about everything.... I am so glad that everyone is ok... You should for sure consult a lawyer. Let us know how we can help.
Jessie

[2Dogs]

Please do check the inusrance policy. I had to fight tooth and nail when I had damage during the Northridge Earthquake, but I did prevail. And do you qualify for any FEMA (federal) money? Is the area considered a disaster area?

I won't get to your area until the end of October but I will gladly lend my body for any work you might have that still needs doing!

[LMH]

I wanted to add my concern Liz-while I know you are more than grateful that all lives were spared, I can only imagine the devastation you are feeling from the insurance news http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Please try to keep your spirits up---however small the words might read. Things seem very dark I am sure, but try to keep focused on the fact that all you wonderful critters and family are safe.

[Piaffe~Passage]

I cannot believe that the insurance company will not pay anything but $500 that's horrible.

We should set up a paypal account or something to raise money for Liz. What do you think?

[pintofoal]

Well, I have spent many hours on the phone to FEMA, the insurance company, lawyer, etc., etc.

Let me all give you some advice--run do not walk to where you have your home owner or farm policy's and read them, call your agent ask questions and get it in writing what they tell you (Ours told us 8 years ago that we would be covered for everything related to our business of a farm). We have a policy that we have been paying tons of money into for many years and because OUR AGENT didn't list our items properly we are pretty much screwed, building repairs only. Nothing for all of our other farm items or clean up or tree removal, fence repair, etc. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[Piaffe~Passage]

I am so sorry Liz, my heart goes out to you. This breaks my heart hearing this.

[Norsire]

I will set a date...Saturday or Sunday Sept. 25the and 26th, 2004 whatever works for you...just come...there is so much go be done...chainsaws, hammers, and nails to fix fence are the most outstanding things right now. She does have a tractor and post hole digger, so maybe we can get her large paddock back together for the three old mares. There is direction on Liz's web site, www.silverwoodfarm.com (http://www.silverwoodfarm.com) Even, if you can only come one hour, two whatever will be very helpful. Also, would bring your own drinks, food and ect too. I have a friend in Lovettsville with a dump truck, who I will make come so it can be loaded and them dumped into burn piles. Would wear gloves for picking up metal from indoor areana!!!

[Norsire]

Here to make it easier.
Silverwood Farm is easy to spot from the road: Indoor roof is visible from road, only largish horse farm on road, only older farm-stone spring house and bank barn, older Victorian type farm house, sign at driveway entry.


FROM LEESBURG: Rt. 7 west towards Purcellville. Exit on to Rt. 9 west towards Charlestown WV. (go about 6 miles) Make right at light onto Rt. 287 north, go 5 miles make right onto Rodeffer Road (goes to right only-no intersection) 1/4 mile road will T go right (682) 1/4 mile Silverwood Farm is at bottom of hill on right, before next sharp turn in road. Silverwood Farm has a farm sign at driveway entry.

FROM FREDERICK, MD: Rt. 340-15 west. When 340-15 split stay on 340 west towards Charlestown WV. Exit onto Rt. 17 south (Brunswick MD.) First traffic circle go 1/2 way round exit staying on Rt.17 go about 1 mile yield right at light staying on Rt.17, 2nd traffic circle go 1/2 way round exit again staying on Rt. 17-heading towards Leesburg VA, you will cross the river into Virginia (Rt. 17 will change to 287 in Virginia) Go about 5 miles, left onto Rodeffer Road (goes to left only-no intersection) 1/4 mile road will T go right (682) 1/4 mile Silverwood Farm is at bottom of hill on right, before next sharp turn in road. Silverwood Farm has a farm sign at driveway entry.

FROM SOUTH AND WARRENTON: Rt.17 north towards Warrenton. Rt. 29 east. Exit onto Rt. 15 north (Must exit from left lane) Take Rt. 15 until Leesburg exit onto Rt. 7 west (Must exit from left lane) Follow Leesburg directions above.

FROM GAITHERSBURG: Rt.28 west to Point of Rocks MD. Make left onto Rt. 15 south, you will cross river into Virginia-Make immediate right after bridge onto Rt. 672. Go about 5 miles at first stop sign in Lovettsville make left onto Rt.287 (post office will be on left, 7-11 on right) Go about 3 miles, make left onto Rodeffer Road (goes to left only not an intersection) 1/4 mile road will T go right (682) 1/4 mile Silverwood Farm is at bottom of hill on right, before next sharp turn in road. Silverwood Farm has a farm sign at driveway entry.

FROM WINCHESTER: Rt. 7 east, exit at Purcellville/Lovettsville exit onto Rt. 287 (left/North) Go about 9 miles. Make right onto Rodeffer Road. 1/4 mile road will T go right (682) 1/4 mile Silverwood Farm is at bottom of hill on right, before next sharp turn in road. Silverwood Farm has a farm sign at driveway entry.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

OMG Liz! I am so so sorry. Man... I am speechless! I have a horse show on Saturday but I may be able to come down on Sunday, I have to check with my "boss". I know there is nothing I can say to make you feel better, just know that I/we are thinking of you and yours. I am even more relieved that your family and animals are fine because what you ARE dealing with is difficult enough. I will take your advice to heart about the insurance company BS. I despirately wish I could breed Bugs again because I know one more stud fee would help. I am really sorry Liz.

[Fairview Horse Center]

My mom was an Insurance Examiner for Allstate. She said that Companies have to stand by what their agents say when selling policies. She also said Insurance companies get very nervous when you threaten to go the the Commissioner of Insurance. Don't accept it is not covered if that is what you were told. Here is some contact information.

http://www.state.va.us/scc/division/boi/webpages/boifilecomplaint.htm

Alfred W. Gross,
Commissioner of Insurance
http://www.state.va.us/scc/division/boi/

[Tom King]

Sorry for the mess. I can't come this weekend but will try to later. Exclusions should be listed on your policy. I had a business destroyed by a tornado in 1988 and it took seven monthes to settle with the insurance company. Some adjusters are a pleasure to work with and others will cheat and lie and squeeze the policy holder until it hurts enough to settle.

[2Dogs]

I am with Tom and others - I work in the Insurance arena - threaten threaten threaten! I will gladly review your policy - and any other info you have. I can deliver an insurance letter that says in effect - screw with me and you will pay far more later. I know the routine from the inside. PT me if you want.

[Horsecrazy27]

Wish I could help...Arizona is far away. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I will be with you in Spirit! I will check out the new deals for stud fee's....maybe I can help that way!

God Bless Liz and Norsire! What a great friends you have! Thank God.

Keep us posted...
Blessings,
Tanya

[Tom King]

Another idea: Call any firewood dealers listed in the yellow pages and local newspaper classifieds and tell them you have wood free for the taking. Maybe if any of you up there have any of last winter's newspapers around there may be more ads in the papers than now.

[dancinglite]

Pintofoal

Unfortunately $500.00 is standard in what is paid per tree even in Ontario you will not get any more for this.

I find that most people need to review their policies on an year to year basis to ensure they keep up with the increasing value of their propery.

When we had a big flood here in Peterborough everyone thought that because they had sewer backup they would be covered but NO policy carries flood insurance and when they only got a very small portion of their claim paid ( like 5%) they did not understand that that was only the portion that was actually sewer back-up ( below ground water as opposed to above ground water)---the rest was flood water.

P.S.

Take a long look at your policy and see if there is something in there that states "If the amound payable for loss, including expense for debris removal,is greater than the amount of insurance, an additional 5% of that amount is avavilable to cover debris removal expense".

I realize you are not in Ontario but many policies tend to have the same wording. Sorry I can't help anymore.

[blueboo]

I'm so sorry for your damages and feel heartsick over the insurance co (though not surprised). Do fight it - argue, nag, threaten, insist on another opinion.....

I really wish I could be out there to help, but Utah's just a bit far away for a weekend drive.....

Thank all the gods you and your two and four legged family are ok though - it won't be fun and it won't be easy to rebuild, but the truly important things are ok.

dana

[pintofoal]

Thanks guys I am going to fight this tooth and nail and the papers/news, etc., are scheduled to come out here tomorrow. I am going to contact everyone/thing, god forbid this should ever happen to any one else, the trauma of losing my beautiful farm, the fear I saw in my families eyes, the fear in my horses eyes, the new way of life I wake up to now every morning has been bad enough but to be given a double whammy by the insurance is just over the top. I was starting to recover emotionally today until the insurance ordeal Now as I said before I feel like I have been punched in the stomach.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Unfortunately $500.00 is standard in what is paid per tree even in Ontario you will not get any more for this. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> At this point I WISH it was $500 per tree they said $500 for ALL the trees not per! That will not even clean up the tree on our back patio let alone the tons of trees in our front, paddocks, on fencing, etc.

I am so beat I cannot comment to much more tonight, I am fired up but physical and emotionally drained. But I am not letting this one go...I cant my livelihood and everything depend on it. I already lost 1600 hundred today since I could not take a late breeding because my breed shed is condemned, my lab is non functioning and I can not trailer my stallions anywhere to be collected

Thank you, thank you all so much you truly do not know how much your support and advice mean to me and those of you who are far away and cannot help in person your good thoughts and ideals are truly a helpful and uplifting. And I cannot thank enough those who have help so much in-person, you have all been a God sent.

[Silly Mommy]

Keep your chin up girl - some fool told me that God doesn't give us more than we can handle, and that there is a reason for everything - I believe it, so that must make me a fool too.

Through this, you'll find out who your friends are, and I know for me, while reading this I reflect upon who would be there for me in the same circumstances.

Norsire - YOU have a PT http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif...

[showjumpers66]

I am so very sorry!!! I wish I was closer so that we could come help clean up.

We went through this last year when we had our barn fire. My insurance company gave us the standard $500 clean-up, $5000 for our barn (which I was misinformed by our agent that it was insured equally to our house and not counted as an "out building"), and $1000 for our horse trailer. They paid nothing for loss of fence ... we had 6 large trees die and fall on what was left of my paddock fencing. Clean alone was about $3000 with us doing all the labor. The other thing that they did was "replace" items rather than paying us for the items, but the adjuster was very good about ensuring that the items were replaced with items that were better than what we originally had. We ended up only being paid for about half of the property loss.

I wish you the best and will try to book a mare to help out.

[danskbreeder]

I wish we were closer to come and help. But for not the first time I'm dreaming about a non-Danish warmblood from one of the girls. My daughter is dying for a pinto. Our thoughts are with you.
erica

www.danishwarmblood.com (http://www.danishwarmblood.com)

[tirnanog]

My prayers are with you and your family. Wish I could be there to help. Good luck. I may have to consider rebreeding my mare. I'll be in touch.

[SBF]

Liz, I PT'd you.

[Norsire]

OK, I have so many PT now..just one small request please just e-mail me as it is easier to click on and respond quicker. NorsireFarm@aol.com
I do have an army 6 wheel drive truck lined up for Saturaday and Sunday, and this should be big enough to pull stumps up and move them to a burn pile. My boyfriend Fred works for a John Deere dealer ship close by so we are going to see if we can get a few loaners for Sat and Sun as well...still working on that one.
But, again any people with chainsaws, nails and hammers are a biggy and just bodies to pick up limps and debrie that is EVERY where on the place would be a great help.
SM, yes there would be room for you and daughter somewhere...daughter would have great time with Tori, she is a great kid and would keep her entertained!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Don't think we can have to many tractors, and with the long drive if you can make it would be enough without a tractor intow...but whatever works best for you.
Who ever asked if I could help with collections, of course I would and could, but it is just too many hours in a day to haul a horse collect and go back and they are just not hours Liz has right now...she knows I would help with collection if she had the time to do so.
Another problem is electric in the barn..any liscensed electricians in the area with time on Sat or Sunday. The barns electric was messed up internally so there is no electric in the stallion/indoor barn.
Thanks for all the PT and offers of help. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Norsire]

I don't even know where to start on this post, but here goes. I got a hold of Trailer Care in Hamilton, and asked if they could come and do an estimate on the horse trailer at Liz's place...he wanted a recker to just haul it in...but I explained...you don't understand they don't want to haul it in and find out it is 10k that they don't have right now..so could you please come to their place...he finally agreed to come and do an estimate there for her.
And to top off my day, my old gelding Norsire Pooh Bear by Issue's Call and out of my beloved Norab has to be put to sleep today. His bad leg has been damaged in some way and his whole bad leg is swollen up past his stiffle to his coranet band!!! I just can't believe all of this!!!!1 http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif

[Fairview Horse Center]

Wouldn't the horse trailer be insured under it's comprehensive auto coverage?

[Fairview Horse Center]

Sorry to hear about your old guy Bridget. I am also facing that kind of a decision in the next few weeks?? on my old (29) guy - actually my very first horse - bought as a yearling.

[pintofoal]

OH no Bridget I am so sorry! This has been a bad week for us, no doubt! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, you have done so much for me. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Wouldn't the horse trailer be insured under it's comprehensive auto coverage?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No, that's the thing--most horse trailers are not covered by auto UNLESS they are hooked up to truck!!!!!! So make sure your trailer is also listed on your homeowners/farm owners insurance policy. I will be an expert insurance person by the end of the week http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Fairview Horse Center]

I carry a separate auto policy on the trailer.

[LEP Enterprises, LLC]

Liz I am so sorry to read about this tragedy at your farm. Keep your chin up and you will get through this.

Norsire - you are a great friend. I hope that if I ever have this sort of trouble I will have someone like you to back me up.

[Amy]

My horse trailer is also listed under my auto policy. But I did think if it was at home it would be covered by your homeowners insurance too.

When the tornado hit our town several years back (an F4) a good friend had an older house(pre 1900) built on pier and beam. The house was lifted up from its foundation and then set back down= major work. She had been paying premiums for years to her insurance guy... only he had not been turning the premiums in! Long story was she had no insurance. She did get a settlement from the whole thing but not nearly enough to cover all the work that needed to be done.

I wish I was closer Liz... I would put on the gloves and help y'all move some trees.

Bridget I am sorry to hear about your old guy.

[Becka]

Our agent 'claimed' our trailer is covered under the vehicle 'towing' it but, we've been wondering 'what about when it's NOT in tow?' What kind of policy 'can' you get on the trailer? Is it for 'replacement' value? With what happened to Liz, it's really got us worried now! Any advice?

Liz, although you don't know me....my thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family in these difficult days.....I think it's awful how this insurance company has treated you! I pray for peace, and wish you the best in the future, as you 'rebuild' your beautiful property. Please take care.

[Tiki]

Separate policy or not, it was my understanding that a trailer is ONLY covered when attached to a vehicle. The reason the trailer insurance is so cheap is that it has no engine of its own.

I'm curious as to whether it can be insured separately under a homeowner's policy, and if so, how. That would seem to be the only way to protect it during a hurricane or tornado, or just a strong storm that dropped a tree on it.

[inca]

I have a separate policy for my trailer that costs $155 every 6 months. Guess I better look into exactly what it covers.

All of this has certainly got me thinking and I am setting up an appointment with myh insurance agent for next week. I want to make sure my barns and my fences are covered. I don't know how much it would cost to replace all my 3 bord wood fence but I guess I better do some calculations and make sure insurance will cover that cost. I know it is more than I want to pay out of my pocket!

Liz, try to keep your spirits up in this very tough situation. How are all your horses doing? Have they settled back into a routine?

It's nice to hear you will have some help this weekend. I'm sure that will lift your spirits. Especially when some semblance of order is returned to your farm.

[Policy of Truth]

Liz, I am so, so sorry for your loss...tornadoes suck!

I am waiting to hear if Luckyduck needs me in GA to assist with clean-up....if she doesn't need me, I will do my best to get up to you...(I don't know if you remember me, but we had a wondeful phone call a few years back regarding some registry information http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

And Bridgete, I am so sorry for your loss as well....all of this just makes me want to cry http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

[Erin Pittman]

Oh my....Liz I hope you can knock some sense into your insurance company! I just got off the phone with mine (USAA) - found out my fence is covered as part of my home "structure" However, my gigantic outbuilding with huge woodshop, hay storage, tack room storage room guest bedroom and future-two-stalls was NOT on my policy. Needless to say, it is now. I'm also getting a quote from a different company (one that specifically covers horse farms) to see how that changes things. Too bad it takes a tragedy to wake everyone up!!! I'll try to be there this Sunday, chainsaw, hammer and nails in hand - I can't be there Saturday and I can't guarantee I can be there Sunday, but I'll try! Keep your chin up and keep us posted!

Erin

[Amy]

Well since I had my trailer stolen a few years ago from my barn I can tell you what mine covers- but you need to call your agent to be sure what they cover.

I bought my trailer in Oct 2000- 3 h slant b-pull steel paid about $8k new for it. In Jan 2002 it was stolen from my barn. It is my understanding that when towed or attached to your vehicle the vehicle coverage extends to the trailer. While not attached you have to buy a separate policy. I can't remember what my premiums were- but not much considering my overall auto bill. Anyway when mine was stolen they paid 'fair market value' for it. that is highly variable depending on your insurance co- even more so than cars because there is no 'blue book' for trailers. My insurance co (USAA- AWESOME!) called the dealer I bought the trailer from and asked what FMV would be- they paid me $6500 for the trailer which I thought was beyond fair. Apparently they took his quote (he quoted high because he says the insurance co always lowers it) and just paid that.

[dancinglite]

For every ones information.

Although there are differences between countries it would be normal in most cases for full trailer coverage to be covered under an auto policy.

Trailers are not covered under a homeowners policy!
For coverage to be viable-

1) The trailer must be listed under the AUTO policy.
2) Coverages would have to be specified. IE) PL/PD Collision and Comprehensive coverage. This is usually the same as the auto coverage you already have but not always so. The cost for these coverages will be on a separate line with a separate total.

A windstorm is covered under the comprehensive portion of your policy---but the trailer must be listed and paid for under that policy ( comprehensive--less any deductable).

Hope that is helpful to anyone thinking of getting proper insurance.

[FlowerPower]

I don't have any power tools (or the ability to work them!) but I have a hammer and nails!!! See you guys on Saturday!!

[pintofoal]

This is Norsire..Thanks Flower Power, we will put you to work picking up debrie...there is plenty of that around! Thanks again! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[talloaks]

We have USAA insurance also, they were the company that would not pay for any of the tree removal, our hugest problem with more than 50 trees down, but would pay for 3 sections of 3 board fence--we declined and fixed it ourselves. USAA had said years before regarding our policy that our stable was insured for 10% the value of our house, which in our case is okay.

[brokenarrowdj]

Liz
We are shocked at the damage to your farm!! At least you and the animals are ok!!

FYI-Farm owners-PLEASE, PLEASE look at your insurance policies. They are called homeowners because they are intended to insure a HOME!! Seek out an insurer that will do a Farm/Ranch Policy, such as Farm Bureau. They are competitive on insurance rates and we were able to insure our trailers separately, all tack at value, etc. as well as barns, sheds and such. I think to insure the Barrett aluminum 24' stock trailer was only $36 per year to insure it for $10k. Well worth it, even if the auto policy would cover it, too.

A friend just totaled her new Trailet and she had full coverage through her auto policy, but do not assume that your trailer is covered by your truck policy. We totaled one and the insurance co. fought tooth and nail not to pay. They even had the audacity to say that because we were hauling livestock that the trailer would not be covered anyway. Uh, what do most people usually do with a horse trailer??

[FlowerPower]

Plus, I have an extra bedroom and am about 45 minutes from Silverwood... anyone further away who wants to come help but needs a place to stay, PT me!

Sure wish I had a trailer to lend you, but that is a purchase I have not yet plunged into!

I'm sure most are small animal friendly here, but I feel I should mention that I have 5 dogs and 2 cats!

[alexandra]

Geeee - unbelievable for me, as we do not have such heavy storms over here.
Evn though I am sure that you think that there is no lots of things destroyed. At least you are all alive and well - including all horses.
Good luck for the clean up and that everythink with insurances and so on gets sorted out.

[jlg]

Hi Liz. I just popped in to check on you. Keep your chin up. You can do this!! I wish there was some way I could help besides words of encouragement. I do know however (from personal experience), how much the emotional support you are receiving here helps. Please friends ... keep it up!!! You are doing a GREAT job.

And I am sorry if I offend any insurance employees ... but insurance companies are vermin. They are the worst, but take heart ... they can be beaten. We lost our house in a house fire in 1996 and then had an insurance fight on our hands. No court action and we did have to strike a deal, but we got more than they initially offered although less than we were insured for. At the time it was the best we could do.

And now?? Well ... I am currently embroiled in a legal battle with another ins company. 9 mths AFTER my husband tragically passed away they decided to inform me they were declining my mortgage ins because a particular checkbox was not checked on the form. Instead they were refunding my 4.5 yrs of premiums! Guess what ... I might have lost my husband but I have NOT lost my mind! They have no clue about the fight I got left in me! Well ... they might be getting a clue right about now!

And you TOO!! FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!!!!!! Don't let 'em get ya down. We are all cheering you on!

As you can tell, I am somewhat passionate about this particular cause!!

God Bless!

[Tiki]

I agree about insurance companies. I have one of the best, USAA, but when I had a small, no fault accident a few years ago - slid on some black ice not attended to by the county - they willingly paid all bills, then raised my insurance rate for 3 years to a total of about twice the cost of the repairs!!! Hows them apples???

[TKR]

Liz, I hope you get a break with the insurance mess and you are certainly in my thoughts and prayers. Thank God you and your family and animals are ok. I'm so glad you'll have so much help and support with this! Best of luck for a swift recovery!
Penny Garzarek
The Krugerrand Run Thoroughbred Farm
Columbiana, AL

[showjumpers66]

My trailer was not covered by my auto insurance since it was not connected to my truck and my homeowner's insurance has a $1000 cap on trailers of any kind.

I am so sorry, Liz!!!

[LoriO]

Liz, do you have a paypal account? I live to far away to come and help in person, but I can at least send you a couple of dollars. It wouldn't be much, but it would be something!

[411]

Liz, I'd suggest you contact an attorney who has extensive experience in insurance bad faith litigation. It's unconscionable that your insurance company is doing this to you, but that's what insurance companies do best, try to keep as much money in their coffers as they can. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Best of luck to you and don't give up! Sounds like you have a wonderful support group and lots of great friends helping you out. Take care of yourself!

[Ashemont]

Liz,

Have been following this thread and please know how we sympathize with you. We were hit really hard by Frances years ago at our old farm Cedar Creek Farm. That's when we found out that even though insured with Farm Bureau most of our FARM was not covered! We got nothing for tree removal and nothing for all the downed fences (fortunately our horses stayed in on the honor system as we were w/o power for 8 days and had all electric fences).

Our kindly adjuster took pity on us and said that since our fenced dressage arena was so close to the house he would consider it our front yard - policy only covered YARD fences. So at least we were able to replace that. But we still had to fight to get anything else.

FEMA was a JOKE!!! I think it's the biggest ripoff going. All of these people come in from all over the country and get lots of money to basically help you process paperwork. They don't tell you until you get to the final signing that in order to get FEMA assistance you have to sign over all of your insurance to them! THEN you take your chances with FEMA: they might give you something, they might give you nothing. Great program if you have NO insurance but if you've been a responsible citizen, as most of us are, then you are really screwed!

If nothing else this will be a great learning experience for lots of folks. I'm just so thankful that no horses or humans were injured. But keep after your insurance company... and make sure you have lots of pictures of EVERYTHING before you do any repairs because they sure won't believe you after the fact. No matter HOW nice the adjusters are...

[onetempies]

Definitely keep fighting the insurance issue tooth and nail, Liz! I sure wish I was closer to help out this weekend! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif

[Norsire]

I've been at Liz's place all day long to help with some clean up. I feel like, I've done NOTHING, there is only a teny, tiny dent in it so far!!!! Morton buildings was there already, cleaning up the indoor and dismantling it, so when the adjuster shows up they can get busy and rebuild it next week!!!! I think they(Morton Buildings) might be waiting idle, while the adjuster decides when and if he/she will appear at Silverwood Farm. As of today, at 5:00 PM when I left the adjuster had not called to schedule an appointment to come out....if any of you are insured with **&*, I would consider a new insurance company!!!!!!!! I'm with the VA Farm Bureau and I have a meeting with my agent on Friday at 11:00 AM to go over my policy. It seems 500.00 is the standard for every company for cleaning up trees, and only if they are sitting on your roof causing damage..if they are touching they are not included. A tractor is only included if listed separately..which ours was, but they were not sure about fences yet. I said, "well gee you sell the policy and you don't know if it is covered...that is nice to know, that you don't know what in the world you are even selling." From seeing what I have at Liz's place, that is what prompted me to make my appointment this week to clear some things up with my own insurance company. I will say, the Farm Bureau, that another agent in my office also uses, said they called her on Friday night, told her to get things secure and take photos and then was out first thing on Sat morning and brought a tree company that started right away for them. The big shot at **&* still has not picked up the phone to call Liz to go over her policy at all..seems from Monday to Wednesday, he would have time to fit this in...just amazing. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
After looking around today, if anyone is coming and has a few extra fence boards or post (half rounds), and you can donate a few to the cause bring them with you on Sat or Sunday if you are planning to come and have a few laying around your place extra. Oh, and the car insurance company Jeff had his cars with Progressive was there on Monday and she got the checks today in the mail. Her truck adjuster for commercial insurance was there as well...but still no adjuster from **&* and they told Liz they were the only client who was hit. Makes one wonder what would happen if they had more than one claim..does it not???? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[pintofoal]

I want to sing the praises of Morton Barns they came right out--have us listed on priority mode and have been working their butts off cleaning up and securing the arena barn today, which isn't even their responsibility to do and they left me their giant magnet to use over the next few days to find nails and metal debris on the property. I also want to thanks again and again folks like Bridget Perry (here everyday helping despite her own problems and sorrows of the moment) and many many other friends and folks. Still no insurance adjuster has made an appearance on the property http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif so I am NOT signing their praises http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif

Hey Bridget I see you where posting when I was, thanks for all your help !!

[bauhaus]

Liz - I am SO SORRY you're having to go through this. I have admired your horses for years and I'm so relieved they, and their people, are all OK. About the insurance adjuster - isn't it possible to hire an independant adjuster who is employed by you and not the ins. company? I don't know how much they cost, but since your company is treating you so horribly maybe you could end up getting a better settlement by going with an independant adjuster?

[patch work farm]

Liz, I am planning to be there on Saturday, also bringing an able body person who is allowed to operate a chain saw...glad to hear that Morton has been out there securing the buildings.

For all of those that have posted their woes about insurance companies, let's remember that their goal in life is to MAKE MONEY, not give it back to us!! I will say that my insurance company Liberty Mutual has ALWAYS pulled through for me and my farm is covered under a home owners policy. I used to have a separate farm policy and let it go this past spring when the company went out of business. Every claim I have ever made was taken care of by my home owners policy and it seemed stupid (on my part) to have two companies hitting me for premiums. I was hit by a tornado several years ago, the adjuster was here first thing Monday morning (don't know why these storms always hit on a weekend??!!)and made sure that everything was accounted for. It is true, they would ONLY cover trees if they hit a "structure" they did consider fencing a structure and covered only those areas that were hit but luckily the tree removal folks along with my fencing guy were able to work within what I received. Last year Isabel hit my farm to the tune of about $10K in damages, again between Liberty Mutual and Geico I was taken care of.

Last spring Liberty Mutual called, set up an appointment and double checked to ensure that I had enough coverage (now, I realize they were looking for more $$-I am in sales too, but they were honest enough to recognize things I was paying for and did not need which actually lowered my payments). I have to say, all this aside, I do plan to speak to them after what Liz has gone through because as much as I may be praising them now, something could happen that wouldn't be covered and I would be trashing them later.

[pintofoal]

OK--yippee the adjuster made it out today! He seemed really nice and concerned but I guess we will see what he and the insurance company come back with, waiting game now.

We have updated our tornado page (http://www.silverwoodfarm.com/tornado.htm) and I have gotten some wonderful suggestions from folks: we are going to have a benefit auction with all kinds of cool stuff, Jim Koford has donated a clinic!! saddles, art work, etc. will be offered. We also are going to have a tornado party, which of course I am excited about I love a party http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[talloaks]

Just responded to your tornado page and you make it very easy for people to do so. Now tell us what you want for the auction and when it will be and if it will be online or what. We all love auctions!!!!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[Tom King]

Was the trailer rolled and tossed or was it just blown over?

[pintofoal]

Hey Tom

The trailer was lifted and thrown about 400 feet from where it was parked--took out a whole paddock in its path, my tractor was flipped and a friends trailer was pushed about 100 feet up under my dually--that thing was an awsome force!

wanted to add that we still have not found the tire and part of the axel that was ripped off the trailer--who knows where those ended up, parts of our barn where found miles away!

[Silly Mommy]

I had PT'd Bridget earlier as I wasn't sure, but count me in!!!

As it happens, I am replacing my exterior line of fencing - put in new/take out old. I can bring along some decent/workable posts and rails if you'd like - tell me how much you need (I've taken down ~ 700ft of fence so far and probably 1/3 of it is still in fair shape. It's 3 rail splitrail, so it won't match, but for temporary purposes...

Should I bring hubby's chainsaw (I won't work it, but if it would be useful)?

[Piaffe~Passage]

Liz I am still in shock of what happened. I am in Minnesota otherwise I would be their helping you make a dent along with everyone else. I am going to take some spare money that I have and send it to you, it's not much but it's something, and I feel I should help out in one way or another since I won't be able to come out and help.

[Silly Mommy]

One other thing, Could someone who is going to be there (Bridget or Liz or whoever) Saturday morning PT me with some phone numbers in case I get in a jam.

[Norsire]

My number is 540-668-9095
Liz's number is 540-822-9110

[Future Breeder]

I wish I was closer so I could come help out! I hope everything works out for the best for you, Liz.

[AC Breeding]

I'm so very very sorry to hear this. I wish I lived in the US so that we could come out and help! Thank god no humans or horses were hurt!
Best regards

[Sporthorse South]

Liz, I am so sorry to hear about your difficulties. I know how devastating a tornado can be though - I had friends who either lost their homes or suffered severe damage when the F5 came through north Atlanta in April '98. It's bad enough to have to deal with all the destruction, but then to be shafted by the insurance companies just adds insult to injury.

I would like to put a notice in the next Oldenburg Horse magazine about your situation - will contact you privately about that. Keep your chin up - thank God that no one was injured, and that you have so many good neighbors who can help you get back on your feet. I wish I lived close enough to you to come help with the clean-up. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/cry.gif

[Robby Johnson]

Liz, I was away when this happened and I am just so sorry you have had to endure such devastation and loss. I will try to catch up on this entire thread to know what I can do for you. I'm just thankful you're OK and that that horses are fine as well.

I actually have my horse trailer insured separately through State Farm. It's $118 a year and gives me great piece of mind.

Robby

[Norsire]

Oppss...just realized I posted on the wrong thread!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
My insurance guy canceled on me today, he was going to go over my policy with me! Figures, doesn't it!!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif

Silly Mommy, I did answer your private topic, but on this tread many pages back...hope you saw it. Anyway, will see you tomorrow.

[Tom King]

Liz, Thanks for the answer on the trailer. I was hoping it might have been something that a days work or so could get back on the road but I guess not. Sorry, I can't come this weekend, but will try to next week.

[alexandra]

Hey Guys, hope you could do a lot; was thinking of you - the day must be almost over in your time zone. I keep my fingers crossed, that the insurance thing works out for you !

[ltw]

I was too tired to write last night after the clean up day.

There were many awesome people that have put a solid week in assisting Liz and Jeff. A special thanks goes to Norsire, Bridgett and Fred for all of their dedicated hard work. And a special note to Silly Mommy for driving all the way down from NY to help. Also, I wanted to note Patchwork Farm and Bent Hickory Farm as well. I also met some of Liz's neighbors who were there with Bobcats and heavy equipment moving large trees and roof pieces into large dumpsters and burn piles.

I have to say I have never picked up so much glass and roofing nails, broken wood pieces and twisted metal ever in my life. I spent alot of time going over the ground with a large magnet that picked up many, many large nails that were just waiting to puncture hooves and navicular bones.

At the beginning of the day when we drove in the wereckage was almost overwhelming as I think some of us just did not know where to start. How could we make an impact and provide the most help with our limited time?

By the end of the day, when my son and I drove out the driveway you could see that alot of progress was made and some order was starting to be restored to chaos. There still is alot to be done and most of all fence repair is a major item.

I know Liz is working on getting an auction started to raise some money for repairs not covered by insurance. I am donating a frozen semen breeding to Rhodes Scholar as well as an original charcoal drawing of Donnerhall done by Jessica Shenberg. I am sure that any other donations would be appreciated.

Laura Whitford
www.studbook.com/shadowfox (http://www.studbook.com/shadowfox)

[pintofoal]

I just want to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped! The place is slowly but surely (yesterday wasn't so slow though! Super enthusiastic helpers/workers, so much got done) NORSIRE (Bridget & Fred) Laura, Silly Mommy and Jamie, Vincent, Patchwork, Rick, etc. etc I know I am not listing everyone! All of you guys are great http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif I will never be able to thank you enough. And Lauren for all your help making getting Sempatico to Devon http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

We still have a long ways to go but with folks like you helping it has made it so much easier

[Silly Mommy]

I must say that when I drove into her drive, it was like entering what looked like a war zone - you could barely make out her house through all the downed trees. When I came to the knoll, the view of the indoor was worse.

As the day wore on, more and more people arrived, wandered around for a minute in bewildered amazement, and then fell in line picking up. It got to the point where we stopped asking, and just started doing. Then Liz went out and brought back party trays of sandwiches, cheese, and fruit, and set up a spread on her tailgate so the dogs couldn't get it.

By the end of the day, the yard was cleared, the scrap metal that had been strewn around was in the dumpster, the fields were cleared as well, the trailer had been righted and "parked" down by the indoor, and it's tire was found!!!

There is a mountain of limbs in the front field, and the paddocks now are ready for repair. It was a good and productive weekend.

I'm glad I went. I needed to get away from the stresses of my own place, and what better way to destress than to help someone else in need. I met the boys and am in love with HOF. I'm also really excited after seeing SOTA in person - he will compliment my Cookie more than I had anticipated. Liz has a fabulous group of boys, and Sempatico is just the sweetest thing!!!

The best part is that damnpig didn't end up in my truck for the ride home! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[nsm]

I have been mia for awhile so just read this--My heartfelt sympathy to Liz, but what a miracle no people or horses were injured or worse, thank god, and how fantastic the response to help out, unfortunately Wis is a long way away, but if you get an auction or something together, I would like to donate a breeding to Ironman to at least be able to do something, [could send some Magaritta mix] we live in an area with tornadoes, and have had a couple perilously close, so I can only imagine what you are going through, my thoughts are with you, Take Care---------Nancy

[horse_poor]

Liz I am so sorry you are going thru this--I wish there was something I could do from way up here in MN! I have nothing exciting to even offer up for auction--Aero has a shoe he just threw that he could offer (pad included), but that is about it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Perhaps COTHer Rfath could donate a drawing--she just did one of Aero and it was breathtaking......(Aero could donate an autographed copy of his drawing if that would help)

Hnag in there!