A fire destroyed a stable on Sunday at Pine Dell Farm, killing half a dozen therapy horses. The horses were lifelong partners and provided therapy for young people.
The two women caretakers living inside made it out, but six horses in the stable did not.
The horses were part of the Sugar Creek Equinapy Organization. The horses help disabled children and young people with disabilities like autism and cerebral palsy. The therapy improves their occupational and physical abilities.
The horse owners say the deaths are devastating, but the children they serve will be hurt the most.
“Please pray for our children that are going to have a real hard time understanding this,” Melissa Morgan said.
The horse owners estimate the damage will be in hundreds of thousands of dollars and the cause of the fire is unknown.
The horse therapy organization had several events planned in the coming weeks. They say they will rebuild, although it will take some time.
The group’s website said they would have grief counselors available for the children.