The equestrian center houses hundreds of animals
The trailers arrived at once, carrying hundreds of horses fleeing the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles.
Some horses came alone, while others were in trailers packed with animals. Many of them had owners, but others came alone with their rescuers or animal control. One horse, according to the volunteers, actually walked its owner from Altadena until five o’clock. Pigs, donkeys and small horses followed.
Within 24 hours, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center was transformed into a modern-day Noah’s Ark. Last week, it became one of the city’s largest animal shelters, saving hundreds of animals from danger.
The facility, which sits in the shadow of Griffith Park, has housed more than 200 horses, with more than 500 horses.
Last Tuesday and Wednesday were “tumultuous,” said Jenny Nevin, spokeswoman for the equestrian center. The facility cataloged every horse that arrived, ensuring they were reunited. Keeping the animals cost the owners nothing, supported by public donations and frequent free hay, fodder and other supplies.
Sergio Marshall was one of dozens of people who brought animals here after their facilities were destroyed or threatened.
A week ago, he and his girlfriend Jenny Bacon raced to save more than 70 animals Eton Dam stableHis face mask caught fire and his goggles were broken and twisted as he battled the flames.
The effort landed him in the hospital, where he suffered burns to his lungs and throat after inhaling the burning air.
A week later, Mr. Marshall, 29, and Mr. Bacon, 30, walked Arthur and Playboy — two miniature horses he helped rescue that night — around their new home. Here, they were protected from fire, and despite everything they endured, they seemed calm and friendly.
“Swallowing still hurts,” Mr Marshall said, pointing to the face mask he had to wear to prevent infection. “I would do it all over again – no question.”
Most of the owners of the sheltered animals have been identified, and several owners spent Tuesday afternoon walking their horses around the stables.
Dozens of volunteers cared for the other animals that stayed at the center. Some were local celebrities.
The two donkeys, Maurice and Micah, frequently popped themselves out of their stalls to demand attention. When the Palisades fire approached, they fled to the mountains with their husband, and they were reunited because he painted his number on their side.
“They like you to sing to them,” said volunteer Lucena Herrera. “We all adopted them and took care of them.”
But a handful of animals remain unclaimed. A little horse named Izzy has not found her owner a week after the fire. The volunteers took her in together until she found a new permanent home.
So many volunteers showed up to help the animals that staff had to turn some away, Ms Nevin said. Between 50-100 volunteers are now raking the tents, feeding the animals, dry hay and Maurice and Mika are saddened as they raise the ant.
According to London Scott, founder of the local Cali Cowboy Club, seeing the owners interact with their horses is one of the most rewarding experiences for volunteers.
“It’s a beautiful process to go through,” Mrs. Scott said, “to be able to see this firsthand and know that you had a small part in helping someone have a little peace of mind in a sad time.”
The people here describe a deep bond with their animals, saying the burnt fields are a place of peace in this busy urban environment.
“They’re my safe place,” said Catherine Armenta, 42. “It’s like a bond I don’t want with anything on this planet.”
Many here don’t know where they will take their animals after the wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area, or what will happen next.
“I couldn’t even do one of these. There are 40 horses to look after,” Ms Bacon said. “When it’s all said and done, I think we can all grab a margarita and have a good cry.”
