Horse Farm Recovering After Fire Kills Eight Horses

Earlier this year, Sleepy Hollow Racing, a small Scott County horse farm suffered a terrible loss, costing them around $100,000 in damage.

"Your worst nightmare is you lose a horse. It’s worse than your worst nightmare to lose them all," said Clara Senger, veterinarian and co-owner of Sleepy Hollow Racing.

A barn fire took all of her yearlings.
    
"We have no horses to sell in September," said Senger.
    
Scott County Firefighter John Carter was there.

"It had been burning a while, when our truck got there," said Carter. "It was pretty well on the ground."

The problem with barns is many are highly flammable.  They’re made of heavy timber and full of hay.

Smoke detectors can malfunction because of an environment that lends itself to dust and fumes from machinery like tractors. 
     
"Another option you have is an optical smoke detector that sense what the smoke looks like," explained Carter.

Having water and portable extinguishers nearby can be useful, said Carter.  He also said there should be a strict no smoking policy.

Fenger remembered those who brought food and lended her a helping hand.

"I can work my way out.  I don’t need charity," said Senger.  "I’m pretty sure the gentlemen who just had this happen would feel the same way."