Waynesboro: Memory’s Hill Stables closed after barn fire kills four horses

Memory’s Hill Stables in Waynesboro is closed until further notice after a fire early Sunday morning took the lives of four horses.

The lower barn at Memory’s Hill burned to the ground while full of horses because of rain Saturday night. A staff member was able to get all of the horses out except for one horse after the roof collapsed. Three loose horses ran back inside the barn and died.

Staff members are safe and the business is having all horses who were close to the fire checked by a veterinarian.

Memory’s Hill requests no visitors to the farm until staff has had time to sort through the fire damage and create a plan of care for horses and humans.

“This is an unfathomable tragedy and we ask for your love and support of those who have lost their horses,” Memory’s Hill Stables posted on Facebook.

For now, Meal Train donations are welcome online for stable staff until the business has had a chance to evaluate needs. The exact cause of the fire is unknown.

“Nothing could prepare you for the sight of the aftermath, it breaks me to my soul to see the crumbled pieces of what was supposed to have been a safe haven for the horses in my care,” the stables posted on Facebook today.

The Stables shared on Facebook that owner and head trainer Ashley Holsinger, who traveled from Florida yesterday, feels responsible although the cause is so far accidental.

“I always have, and always will, feel that it is my responsibility, my duty, to keep the horses safe. I’m shattered for letting them and their people down even if it was beyond my or anyone else’s control,” they posted on Facebook. The fire is “every barn owner, caretaker and horseman’s worst nightmare come true.”

The farm must also prepare for upcoming winter weather in Virginia this week.

Memory’s Hill Stables provides equine services of instruction, training, boarding and sales. The stables has been showing in Ocala, Florida this winter and actively participates in local SWVHJA and VHSA horse shows, as well as USEF/USHJA rated competitions along the East Coast.