Two horses died when stables at a yard in Suffolk caught fire
Two horses died when a fire swept through a driving yard in Hollesley, near Woodbridge, Suffolk, on Tuesday night (25 June 2002).
The fire began at Mike Daniell’s yard, which is adjacent to Poplar Park Equestrian Centre, at around 9.30pm. Five fire appliances and 25 firefighters fought for around an hour to bring the blaze under control.
Fiona and Carl Lennard, who live near the yard, raised the alarm and called the fire brigade before alerting John Hardwick, who runs the neighbouring equestrian centre.
John led eight of the 10 horses to safety, but was unable to rescue the two stabled closest to the source of the fire. Both the horses were liveries, which Mike was breaking to drive.
Speaking to HHO from the remains of his yard, Mike Daniell was full of praise for his neighbour’s actions: “John is quite simply a hero. Although sadly we lost two, the others appear totally unscathed.”
All but one of the wooden stables on Mike’s yard were destroyed in the blaze, the cause of which is unknown, although arson has been ruled out.
The horses are currently being stabled in a barn within Mike’s rented complex. Luckily none of the carriages were damaged and Mike is keen to point out that, despite the fire, its business as usual.
“I would like to extend my thanks to everyone, thegenerosity of the people of East Anglia has been stunning.”
Mike, a professional coachman and carriage driver, runs a successful business providing horses and carriages for weddings, funerals and special occasions, as well as film and television work.
Mike’s horses recently starred in the TV programme, Nelson’s Trafalgar and at Frankie Dettori’s wedding.
To find out more about Mike’s work visit www.mikedaniell.co.uk
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