Update: Tragic Barn Fire At Hanover Shoe Farms; Horses Identified

Hanover Shoe Farms has reported that a tragic barn fire at the Standardbred breeding farm in Hanover, Pennsylvania on Sunday, April 12 has claimed the lives of multiple horses.

Hanover Shoe Farms has confirmed that 12 horses owned by the farm were lost in the devastating fire. No outside owned horses were involved. The farm also reported that no personnel were injured.

Early reports from the farm on Sunday evening indicated that 14 horses were lost in the fire, but the farm has since located a mare and foal originally believed to have been lost.

The remaining horses from the barn involved were reported to be safe in the surrounding fields with access to water and grass.

"Yesterday, Hanover Shoe Farms experienced the worst thing that can befall a horse farm," said a statement from Hanover Shoe Farms posted on social media on Monday, April 13. "We thank the many first responders that arrived quickly and worked hard to contain the fire. All divisions of our staff, from equine, veterinary and maintenance, fought to save as many horses as possible. Our heartfelt thanks to all staff and first responders as well as the outpouring of support from the local community and harness racing connections worldwide.  

"We are happy to report that the survivors of the fire have all been checked, treated and are doing well. The barn on Sell Station Road was our largest barn, with 38 stalls housing mares and foals. While the majority of the inhabitants were turned out for the day, the teaser stallion and seven mares with foals were in the barn for physical or medical reasons at the time of the fire. Two mares and foals were able to be led out; however, one foal ran back in and could not be saved."

Hanover Shoe Farm stated that the fire started in a manure pile outside the barn with 40 mph winds sending sparks to the barn. According to the farm, the flames quickly overtook the barn and the roof collapsed within eight minutes. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

"As clean up begins today, we remember the great horses we lost yesterday and look to heal the gaps they left in our hearts."

Hanover Shoe Farms has identified the horses lost in the fire as All Spirit and her Stay Hungry colt; Hacerla and a Stay Hungry-Lady Dale colt; A Gift For You and her Greenshoe colt; Freshgroundpepper and her Volume Eight colt; Old Magic and her International Moni filly; a Snow Angel Hanover-Volume Eight filly; and Renier Hanover.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of the horses lost in the barn fire.

(Standardbred Canada with files from Hanover Shoe Farms)