An over-night fire has leveled a 1950's barn used for training at the SMC Equestrian Riding Center. The couple who own the facility awoke early Monday to bright flames that lit up the area. Now, the couple, often called upon to rescue abandoned horses are in need of help.
Because the property was undergoing renovation, there is no insurance coverage for the more than $70,000 in losses. In addition to the barn, the rehab work included a new electrical system, which had not been hooked up, new jumps, a new viewing lounge and fencing for the arena.
The fire also destroyed the tack and other possessions of a number of riders who were working toward a show this coming weekend.
Firefighters have labeled the fire as "suspicious" and said there was no way the fire should have burned the way it did.
According to the owners, the SMC Equestrian Center -- SMC stands for Shannon, her grandfather, Mel, and Christopher -- derives nearly 80 percent of its business revenue from the riding center, the couple said.
They also open their center to troubled youths who need to complete community service work and offer free riding lessons to young people who help out at the center.