Show honour for pony arson attack girl, six
ALITTLE girl who lost her beloved pony in an arson attack was invited to be a special guest at an equestrian competition she was due to compete in.
Emily Howard, six, was invited to present awards to the winners of the Amateur of the Year competition at Croft Top Farm in Haslingden.
The youngster was due to take part in the competition herself, before her pony Reuben died when his stable was torched to the ground on Tuesday, July 14.
Firefighters were called to Winnington Road in Marple in the early hours of the morning, after neighbours were woken by the noise of the blaze.
The fire was so ferocious that it completely destroyed the stables that business owners Kerry and Rob Pardon had spent the last two years building.
Since then, the equestrian community has rallied round to support the Pardon and Howard families.
Competition organisers asked Emily to present awards to the winners, and also made her a collection of personalised items to help her remember her pony, including rosettes, cushions and a sash dedicated to Reuben.
Emily’s family decided to gently tell her the truth about what happened to Reuben, in case she later found out at school.
The Arden Primary pupil was so distraught at losing him that she had to take several days off school, but returned for the last few days of the school year.
Emily’s aunt, Julie Howard, said: “She had the week off school because she was so worried that people would ask her about what happened.
“We’ve been keeping her busy with our horses.
“She’s young enough to be able to eventually get over what’s happened.
“It was so nice of them to invite her to the com- petition, and the whole family is so grateful.
“We particularly want to thank Vanessa Jackson and Heather Williamson for arranging it.
“People have just pulled together to offer support
“Emily was so brave and I think she felt very grown up.
“The pony that won looked a lot like Reuben and it makes you wonder if they would have won. “
Police believe the fire was started deliberately and continue to investigate.
Investigators spent several hours coming the scene with sniffer dogs in the aftermath of the fire.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.