The owners of Brannon Farm in Georgetown, Ky., north of Lexington are struggling with the loss of every horse in their barn as it burned to the ground about 1 a.m. on the morning of May 1. There were 25 horses killed in the blaze, along with dogs, cats and a goat. A lot of equipment also was destroyed.
When the fire department got there, the barn was “fully engulfed,” said Billy Jarrell, a family friend.
He said the stable was founded in the 1960s by Marie Brannon and her late husband, Sam, a horse trainer who is member of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association Hall of Fame. Their daughter, Nancy, is the trainer there, along with John McKeown. The stable focuses on saddlebreds and saddleseat riding. A lesson program, primarily for children, is the main part of the business.
It is believed the fire was sparked by lightning, but an official cause has yet to be determined, according to Jarrell, a U.S. Equestrian Federation licensed official.
He said the lesson horses were outside at the time of the fire, so they survived. A stable owner in Versailles, which also is in the Lexington/Fayette County metro area, has offered her facility so Nancy Brannon can continue the business, and may be able to resume work next week. Jarrell said people also are donating tack and other equipment.
Those who want to donate such items may contact Jarrell at 859-509-1503. He noted Nancy Brannon is overwhelmed by the support from the community.
A GoFundMe page was started to assist the Brannons and deal with costs not covered by insurance. Click on this link to donate.