A rider from Yorkshire has set up a Go Fund Me page to help her to raise money towards replacing tack and equipment that was lost when her horsebox went up in flames on her way to an event.
Stephanie-Holly Smith was driving two horses to a Halloween-themed showjumping competition at Mill Lane Stables in Selby at the end of October when she heard a loud bang from the engine of her horsebox.
“It became apparent something was really wrong and before I knew it, the engine cut out and we had no power,” said Stephanie-Holly.
“I was aware we were on a busy road so I tried to coast the horsebox onto a less busy street. I was also aware that if the horsebox was stopped too close to the high curb then there would not have been enough room to get the side of the box down – this would have left the horses trapped as we had no way of moving the box.”
Horses on board
Inside the horsebox was Stephanie-Holly’s piebald traditional gypsy cob, Bertha, and her friend, Paige Wells’ chestnut Thoroughbred, Hunter.
“By this point, the smoke was becoming thick and black. We got the first horse – Bertha – off with no issues however Hunter was very reluctant to leave the box. The thick black smoke had started to fill the box now making it difficult to see anything,” explained Stephanie-Holly.
“Hunter got off the box but did unfortunately scrape his side down the box which resulted in a few cuts – thankfully this was the only injury.
“Moments later, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire brigade arrived quickly, but by then it was too late. They told us nothing could be saved. In just minutes, everything we owned – every saddle, bridle, helmet – was reduced to ashes.”
The kindness of strangers
By this point members of the public had begun to gather, and one lady contacted a woman who owned a yard down the road and asked her to take the horses.
“The lady with the yard came down to meet us and kindly took our horses to her yard and set them up in a stable with a haynet and made us a cup of tea,” said Stephanie-Holly.
“Now, as the shock begins to fade, the reality is setting in. We’ve lost not just our tack and equipment, but years of dedication and love invested in our horses and our journey together.
“The support we have received from the equestrian community has been overwhelmingly kind. I cannot express enough my gratitude towards everyone who has shown support, whether this is through donating or just sending a kind message. It has really helped to keep us going the last week and a bit.
“We’re determined to start again, to rebuild what was lost, and to get back in the saddle with Bertha and Hunter. Any help, no matter how small, will make a huge difference as we work to replace our saddles, bridles, body protectors, helmets, and show gear.”
At the time of writing, the Go Fund Me page had raised £635 of its £2,500 target. To donate click here.
Images © Stephanie-Holly Smith.
