Fire destroys horse business’ equipment
AFTER spending seven years developing an internationally recognised horsemanship business in Mexico, Alex Hindle brought her talents back to Australia.
Now the southwest Queensland woman has been forced to pick up the pieces after a massive fire destroyed tens of thousands in equipment and horse feed at Highfields on Friday morning.
Ms Hindle was woken by police at nearly 3am to be told the equipment shed at her site on the New England Highway was engulfed in flames.
While fire investigators are still exploring the cause, the
incident is not being treated as suspicious.
Thankfully no horses or people were harmed during the fire, but the damage has left Ms Hindle without any food for her animals or horse tack like saddles, bridles, helmets and reins.
She said the devastation had left her unable to run horsemanship classes, just three months after reopening the business at the site.
“We were all sleeping and they let us know the shed was on fire and it was completely up in flames,” Mr Hindle said.
“I had a lot of hay in there as well — there’s nothing left, it was pretty hot in there.
“The roof has caved in, it’s
not structurally sound so we can’t go in.
“I’m just wrapping my head around it.”
Ms Hindle, who teaches people how to train their horses using gentle and natural techniques by making “a connection”, said she had barely settled into the business’ new home yet was back at square one.
“I can’t even ride a horse at the moment,” Ms Hindle said.
“I just got back to Australia from Mexico and I just threw myself into the business.
“It’s all pretty new equipment, so it’s a pretty big blow — we don’t have any equipment for the classes.
“I just cancelled all the
classes from (Friday), but I’m just looking to recover as soon as possible.
“Two of the saddles are worth $15,000 and there were dozens in there so it’s going to be a massive loss.”
It’s a major setback for Ms Hindle, who overcame a number of obstacles in Mexico to build up her business, not the least of which was the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ms Hindle has set up a GoFundMe page for donations, which has already raised nearly $900.
But she said replacement equipment was needed more urgently so she could restart classes as soon as possible.
“I didn’t expect something this big to happen in the first three months (but) I’m hoping this is just a bump in the road,” Ms Hindle said.
“If anyone could donate a saddle or equipment that would be good.
“I’m feeding a lot of horses and I just have nothing.
“I’m just asking for donations because we are still running the agistment at the property.”
Anyone with equipment or feed to donate can email alexandralhindle@gmail.com.
Alternatively, you can give money through the GoFundMe link on the Hindle Horsemanship Facebook page.