Patti Driscoll's Beaverdam Equestrian Center in Beaverdam, Virginia, burned down on Jan. 23. The fire reportedly started around 3 a.m. and killed two elderly school ponies.
Driscoll rode professionally for several years and opened the center in 1994 so her children would have a place to learn horsemanship. Now she teaches approximately 30 students and keeps more than 20 horses on the property. She was sleeping when the blaze broke out.
The remains of two ponies, Fireflies After Dark or "Chrissy," a Welsh cross mare, and Chase, a Pony of the Americas gelding, were found during the clearing efforts. They were buried together on the farm. The remaining horses were outside at the time of the fire.
Fireflies After Dark helped many children learn the ropes of showing.
Driscoll lost all the tack, feed and other equipment necessary to care for the remaining horses. Her daughter, Delaney Carter, started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with the costs of rebuilding, and the local community has also stepped up to support the farm. Businesses in Ashland, Montpelier and other surrounding areas have set up donation jars at their stores, and Driscoll's students and parents are pitching in however they can.