Tragic Barn Fire in Franktown, Colorado

This is the saddest thing. Yesterday morning around 4:00 AM, there was a devastating barn fire in Franktown, Colorado, that killed over 10 horses and injured 4 more. According to the GoFundMe, that has been set up for Eddie Soto, the lead hand at Watson Equestrian at Hidden Pines, he was able to get 4 of the horses out of the barn. He risked his own life to save the horses.

The Colorado Hunter Jumper Association has also set up a donation page. From CHJA:

“The CHJA community is heartbroken to confirm the tragic barn fire at Hidden Pines Farm in Franktown was the home base to CHJA board member Sarah Watson with Watson Equestrian, CHJA lifetime member and barn owner Dana Vollbracht, along with their family. Please consider supporting the Watson Equestrian and Hidden Pines families by donating through the Colorado Hunter Jumper Foundation. All donations will go directly to supporting their community during this tragic time.“

According to the Colorado Horse Forum, they urge caution when making a donation to any other GoFundMe, or organized donation places because of the potential for fraud. But personally, I would want to make sure my donation is going to Eddie. I mean, he was the one who tried to save the horses and was injured. So I would hope the first link I posted really is for Eddie and his family.

When I woke up and heard this being reported on the news, I was just sick. Such a tragedy. It brought back the memory of Heartland Farms and the devastating fire that took Southern Pride, along with many other horses from the Cudmores.

Barn Fire Prevention

This is something I think every barn owner and horse owner worries about. I know the thought has passed through my head. And The USHJA has a webinar titled Barn Fire Safety and Prevention that might be helpful to watch.

It is VERY informative and has a lot of helpful information. I really encourage you to watch it.

Franktown, Colorado Barn Fire

My heart hurts for all of those who lost their beloved horses in this fire. So devastating. I hope that with time they are all able to move forward and continue on their paths with horses.

If you would like to donate, I would encourage you to check the sources for the donation pages set up and then go hug your own horse. Because we never know how long we will have them in our lives.