06/09/2024
Barn Fire… two words anyone in the agricultural community fears the most. For those in the horse community the barn is the place we go to escape the cruelties of the world, dream, reflect, relax, and regroup. It’s the place our four legged friends and business partners lay their heads and rest. It’s one of the places on this planet we feel safest and closest to God.
As my phone flooded late yesterday morning with links to the Logan County barn fire my heart sank. After a quick search of news articles one of the worst horse barn fires in history. It was incomprehensible. The barn was home to two NRHA professionals Brandon Brant and Eric Priest, their families, and their customers. It housed some of the best show horses we have seen this year, people’s hopes, dreams, incomes and even man’s best friend dogs.
I can’t imagine looking up to see the barn on fire. Much less running into a melting metal inferno to try and save unicorns as Eric did. Please keep him in your prayers as he recovers from severe burns reports say.
In my years of being in the western performormance horse industry I’ve been witness to tragedy and then an unrivaled sense of community picking up the pieces. In true cowboy culture form friends and strangers from around the world come together within hours to help in any way they can. Often times it’s my phone that rings first in the wake of tragedy for whatever reason and as heart broken as I am to answer those calls I am so proud of our community that rises to the occasion every time.
The horse industry is hard. It’s hard to survive. It’s hard to be competive and stay relevant. It’s all consuming. It’s hard on your mind, body, and family. But in the same way it is hard it’s invigorating, soul fulfilling, heart warming. At the end of the day no matter what the standings or leader boards say there are people almost immediately lifting you up to put back the pieces.
I’ve been part of life changing fundraisers for heart surgeries, a little girl with cancer with a dying wish, an Oklahoma barn fire, the untimely passing of Ed Harrison, horse wrecks, car wrecks, and even been witness to the community rallying to save my little girls horse. It’s hard to comprehend the amount of angels that walk among us and I think sometimes in our instant gratification society we forget how blessed we are to walk the barns amongst them.
I cried myself to sleep last night. My heart hurt for these trianers, their staff, owners, and the community. I cannot imagine the devastation the sun reminded them of again this morning. But, I hope they know how loved they are, how many prayers are being sent their way, and that we are all here for you every single day.
I am sure that the next few weeks, months, years, will be uncharted territory and a series of peaks and valleys of emotions. Just know that you are not alone and that any of us will be glad to answer your call for an ear to bend or a shoulder to lean on.
To the owners of the unicorns lost in this horrific fire my heart goes out to you. If I know anything at the end of the day these horses are more than animals they are friends and vessels of faith and hope. I pray that your hearts heal and take the time to mourn them. The grief of losing these animals from an event we know is possible like colic or injury is hard enough. To lose one like this is hollowing. Please don’t give up on your dreams.
There are countless ways to donate items in the benefit auction to help each and every one of these folks I will include links in then comments. But more importantly keep these people and their families in your prayers not just this week but months to come.
All the best and love and prayers to each and every one of you.
Auction Page Link: Brant and Priest Family Fund Raiser
- Skye & Family
WhoaZone Equine
