TEMPLETON – A police officer and a homeowner rushed into a burning farm Thursday evening to rescue six horses trapped inside.
“Dana Jr. Murphy, who lived in the house, came out when the police arrived, and I don’t know how many officers there were, but they all ran into the barn and rescued all six horses,” Bill Homans said.
“The horses are our family”
Officials say the fire started at the home next to Liberty Belle Stables on Patriots Road in Templeton. It quickly spread to the horse training facility, which cared for 21 horses.
“I saw an orange cloud and thought, ‘They’re all gone, all of them,’ and the horses are our family,” Kim Homans continued. “We have grown from four to 21 horses in two years. It is the place where everyone feels safe, including the children,” says Homans..
Cali Cosentino has been riding horses since she was six years old. She rides every day after school as part of the program at Liberty Belle.
“It’s everything to me. I come here every day after school, and I see everyone, and it’s really a wonderful place to be,” Cali said.
The community comes together to help
The Homans family is grateful for all the community support they have received since losing the stable. Their goal now is to rebuild the farm so that the horses and the community have their stables back.
“It teaches me how to be around other people and what it’s like to have responsibilities. Every day I’m here and I love being with these people. It’s like a second family to me,” Cali said.
“I can’t believe how many people came with trailers and then helped us move and house our horses,” Homans said.
They hope to raise enough money to find homes for all 21 horses and keep the program going. All they have left are four stables after the fire.
Paul Burton
