The response to Sunday’s devastating stable fire in Langley, British Columbia has been swift, as the horse racing community is already mobilizing efforts to get affected horsepeople back on their feet.
According to estimates, 20 horses perished in Langley on Sunday when a barn located on 224th Street near 40th Avenue caught fire. Trot Insider has learned that the majority of the horses stabled in the barn were trained by Bill Davis and owned by Rick Mowles of the J J J Stables.
Horseman Walter Slopianka contacted Trot Insider first thing Monday morning and explained that efforts are already well underway to get Davis back on his feet.
“Along with the devastating loss of all the horses, Bill and Laurie Davis lost their entire livelihood as well,” Slopianka said. “It was a total loss of everything they have worked their lives to build.”
“As a close personal friends, we (Slopianka and his wife, Brenda Arsenault) are sending condolences and are reaching out to Canadian horsemen for donations of any kind,” Slopianka explained. “Anything and everything horse racing related was lost, from water buckets, harnesses, etc. to all of Bill's racing colours and helmets. Anything extra that people can spare would be greatly appreciated.”
Please contact Slopianka by phone at 780-996-9711 or email at [email protected]. Those in BC can contact Donna Cunningham at 604-626-6934.
Slopianka explained that an account will be set up as well to take any financial donations. Information will be posted available as soon as possible.
Slopianka told Trot Insider that news of the fire really hit home. "As I was stabled at the farm with them as little as a month ago, Bill and Laurie were always ready and willing to help us when we had issues,” he said. “Now it's our turn to do the same."
Tony Waller stepped up to help with last month's barn fire in Kingston, and he's come forward to help out here as well. Anyone in Ontario wishing to donate equipment can contact Tony at 613-546-1901.
In order to consolidate comments on this topic, if you would like to send message of condolence to all of those affected by the fire, please do so by clicking here.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to everyone affected by the Langley barn fire.