A fire has destroyed the barn at Over The Hill Farm in South Abington Township, Pa., killing 23 horses.
More than 100 fire fighters from a dozen departments were called to the scene at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 24. Six horses that were kept in the barn survived the fire, and 23 horses perished. Of the six horses that survived, three were badly burned and three escaped unscathed.
“All 23 horses who perished have been [identified]. The three who were badly burned are receiving treatment at a clinic in the area. One is stable and two are still considered critical, so prayers would be greatly appreciated,” said Stephanie Henkin, a recent boarder at Over The Hill.
By the time firefighters arrived at the 40-acre farm, the 100’ by 40’ barn was entirely ablaze. Four other horses lived on the farm in a separate barn, and they were unharmed.
While there was speculation of horses that escaped and were loose in the area, those horses are confirmed to have perished in the fire.
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Over The Hill was founded in 1984 by Liz and Trudy Race. The boarding, training and sales barn focuses on jumpers and equitation.
No people were injured in the fire, although two firefighters are being treated for suspected smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Leather halters are needed for the horses that are unscathed, as well as donations to rebuild the devastated farm.
Donations to Over The Hill can be sent to:
Over The Hill Farm
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P.O. Box 51
Waverly, PA 18411.
Divine Equine located on State Street in Clarks Summit, Pa., will collect donations to benefit the farm. Donations can also be dropped off at Justus True Value Home And Garden in Clarks Summit. Aberdeen Stables will host a benefit hunter/jumper show on August 27.
Additionally, Jesse Sabatelle and his son Dylan resided in an apartment on the farm that was destroyed. The Waverly PTA has organized a fund to benefit the father and son. Donations may be sent to:
PTA Fire Fund
……c/o Waverly Elementary School
103 Waverly Rd
Waverly, PA 18471
For more information, visit the Friends Of Over The Hill Farm Facebook page.
