LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — An overnight barn fire has left two people hurt and 15 horses killed near S Yarnallton Pike in Lexington.
According to officials, both individuals have minor injuries, and one person was taken to the hospital for burns on their feet.
For property owners, Earl and Sandra Radcliffe Skarky, the horses lost to the fire are irreplaceable.
“It's just a terrible loss, I can't even explain it,” said Sandra.
The Skarky family moved to Kentucky to live out their retirement dream of residing in the horse capital of the world.
Since 2011, they’ve cared for rescued horses, retirees from the Lexington Mounted Police, rocky mountain horses, miniatures and Clydesdales.
Their retirement dream proved to be a refuge for the horses and many others who came along for tours.
“We let Shaun Washington bring tours in here all the time, and he would bring little kids and autistic children. He brought out veterans and they loved the horses. The horses were very gentle,” said Sandra.
Looking at the deconstructed barn that once housed 16 therapy horses, Sandra can’t imagine the path forward.
“These horses, I have a couple of them that were with me for over 20 years, so I am lost without them.”
The only surviving horse, Remington, is a retired police horse.
The barn is a total loss, and the investigation is ongoing.
In remembering the horses who became family, Sandra said, “These horses added so much to Kentucky because they gave so much to so many people."
