Riders to take streets in memory of Burnham arson attack

A total of 12 horses were killed in a horrific fire at Elmwood Equestrian Centre in Burnham on December 3, 2017.

Passers-by had alerted the fire service and attempted to save the animals from the blaze.

Firefighters from Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Tillingham, Rayleigh Weir and Corringham spent eight hours fighting the blaze.

A cat also perished and other horses were left traumatised by the incident.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service later confirmed the incident was believed to have been started deliberately.

Around 70 horses were kept at the stables where flowers and tributes were left to remember those that died.

A fundraiser after the tragedy raised more than £20,000 – smashing its £1,000 target.

The money was raised to help rebuild the yard, as well as fund bedding and supplies for the surviving horses and help towards their vet bills.

For the past three years Grace Tredgold and Ciera Battson, both now aged 22, have organised memorial rides to remember the horses – including their own.

Grace’s horse, Willow, was ten years old when it died in the tragedy.

Grace said: “I lost my horse in that fire and my friend Ciera lost a horse she had on loan.”

The first memorial event saw 52 horses follow a 9.5-mile trail through Burnham and was well supported.

This encouraged Grace and Ciera to make it an annual tribute.

“Every year we do the ride to bring it back to light that no-one was caught and to remember the lives that were lost that night,” Grace said.

This year’s memorial ride will take place on Sunday, leaving Elmwood at 11am.

The riders will go up Maldon Road to Marsh Road, then loop round and come back on Wick Road, up Riverside Road on to the High Street and then back to Elmwood via Maldon Road.

It will take around two-and-a-half hours and Grace and Ciera are encouraging Burnham residents – and those from surrounding towns and villages – to turn out and show their support.