Equestrian center shelters hundreds of animals
Trailers arrived at the same time, carrying hundreds of horses fleeing the Eaton and Palisade fires in Los Angeles.
Some horses come alone, others in trailers with other animals. Many of the animals have owners, but some arrive alone, brought in by rescuers or animal control. One horse actually carried its owner all the way from Altadena, a five-hour walk, according to volunteers. Pigs, donkeys and miniature horses followed.
Within 24 hours, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center was transformed into a modern-day Noah’s Ark. Over the past week, it has sheltered hundreds of animals from disaster as one of the city’s large animal shelters.
The facility, located in the shadow of Griffith Park, houses more than 200 horses, in addition to about 500 already there.
Equestrian center spokesperson Jennie Nevin said last Tuesday and Wednesday were “chaotic.” The facility catalogs each arriving horse, ensuring they can be reunited. The animals can be sheltered at no cost to their owners, thanks to support from public donations and the frequent distribution of free hay, feed and other supplies.
Sergio Marcial is one of dozens of people who have brought animals here after their own facilities were vandalized or threatened.
A week ago, he and his girlfriend Jenny Bacon were racing to help save more than 70 animals. Eaton Dam StablesHe was battling flames so intense that his mask caught fire and his glasses were shattered and deformed.
His efforts saw him rushed to hospital, where he suffered burns to his lungs and throat after inhaling burning air.
A week later, Mr. Marcial, 29, and Ms. Bacon, 30, took Arthur and Dandy, the two miniature horses he helped rescue that night, for a walk around their new home. Here, away from the fire, they seemed calm and friendly despite everything they had been through.
“It still hurts to swallow,” Mr. Marcial said, pointing to the mask he must wear to prevent infection. “I would do it again – without a doubt.”
Most of the owners of the shelter animals have been identified, and some were walking their horses around the stables on Tuesday afternoon.
Dozens of volunteers care for the center’s other animals. Some have become local celebrities.
Two donkeys, Maurice and Micah, often poke their heads out of the stable to attract attention. As the Palisades Fire approached, they fled down the mountain with their owner, who was reunited after he spray-painted his number on them.
“They love it when you sing to them,” said volunteer Lucena Herrera. “We all just adopt them and take care of them.”
But a handful of animals remain unclaimed. A week after the fire, a pony named Izzy still hasn’t found her owner. Volunteers adopted her as a group until she could find a new, permanent home.
Ms Nevin said so many volunteers came to help the animals that staff had to turn some away. Now, 50 to 100 volunteers clean the stalls, feed the animals, fluff hay and serenade Morris and Micah when they get restless.
Watching owners reunite with their horses is one of the most valuable experiences for volunteers, said London Scott, founder of the local Cali Cowboys Club.
“It’s a very beautiful process,” Ms. Scott said, “to be able to witness this and know that you played a small part in someone having peace of mind at a tragic time.”
People here describe deep bonds with their animals and say the burned farm is a peaceful place in this bustling metropolitan area.
“They’re my safe place,” said 42-year-old Catherine Armenta. “It’s like a bond, a connection that I don’t have with anything else on the planet.”
Many people here don’t know what comes next, and where they might take their animals after the chaos of fires that continue to burn across the Los Angeles area ends.
“I can’t even handle this. There are 40 horses to look after,” Ms Bacon said. “When it’s all said and done, I think we’re all going to go drink margaritas and have a good cry.”
