Wednesday, June 1, 2011

A Sad Day at True Prospect Farm


If you have made your way over to this page, you have probably already heard about the disaster that we lived through 24 hours ago. Since I have received so many calls, texts, and messages of support, it seems futile to try and respond to them individually. So, in response to you all: we are okay; we are sad and a bit lost but okay and thankful for all of your care and attention.

Last night Caitlin, Ryan and I woke up to a fire in the barn below the apartment we were sleeping in. We were lucky to move quickly enough to save 5 of the horses stabled in the barn. Unfortunately, the fire moved too fast and we couldn’t save the remaining 6. My heart breaks for all six, but especially for my own special mare, Ariel. She and I were planning to take Bromont by storm in a few weeks as we competed in her first one star.

As luck would have it (and only in this situation would it be considered lucky), we moved Whitey to a barn in Virginia to recuperate from an injury only a week ago so he was not in the stable last night. He is happy and well cared for at Tuppenny Farm with Lizzie Olmstead for the time being.

 As so many of you have expressed interest in helping, there have been multiple funds created for donations. In particular, Boyd, Caitlin and I all have funds set up with the American Horse Trials Foundation: 221 Grove Cove Road Centreville, MD 21617. Check out http://eventingnation.com/home/2011/05/ways-to-support-the-true-prospect-fire-recovery.html for more information about donating.  

Again, thank you for all of your kind thoughts and messages. As we sort out the mess (literally and figuratively), we will begin to get a better idea of how we are going to move forward. Stay tuned and I will do my best to keep you updated.

6 comments:

Maria Lewis Photography said...

So so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and everyone at TPF.

mktallent said...

Lillian, I am heartbroken for you and your loss. Please let me know if I can do anything for you, or if there is anything you need. You are in my thoughts. Melanie

M. Shone said...

Love you so much and hope you all are ok.

Anonymous said...

Love you xxx

Winnie said...

Lillian-I am horrified to hear about this tragic loss. Please know that I'm thinking of you and your stablemates. Let me know if there is anything I can help with.

Emily said...

Thought I would share this with you. Thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

"I'll lend you for a little while a horse of mine" God said.

"For you to love while he's alive and mourn for when he's dead". It maybe one or thirty years or maybe more than these, but will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me? He'll bring his charm to gladden you, and should his stay be brief, you shall have his memories, as solace ... Read More for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return, but there are lessons taught down here, I want this horse to learn. I've looked this wide world over, in my search for teachers true, and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain, nor hate me when I come to call, and take him back again? Will you shelter him with tenderness and love him while you may and for the happiness you have known forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for him much sooner than you planned brave the bitter grief that comes and please try to understand.