Oak Canyon Equestrian Community Fire Recovery

In the early hours of January 17, 2023, Oak Canyon Equestrian in Newhall, California, suffered every horse owner’s worst nightmare: an electrical fire sparked in the barn where the horses were stabled and quickly spread as 20-foot flames ravaged the building. Thanks to the fast action of neighbors who alerted the Adamson family of the crisis, and firefighters who put out the fire, the majority of the horses were rescued and gathered safely in the arena. However, two beloved horses tragically lost their lives in the blaze, and three others were badly burned and need ongoing medical treatment.

Our hearts are broken for those lost. Malone, a Palomino Quarter Horse, was a World Series roping champion, a heel horse and an invaluable teammate to his owner, Daniel Lopez. More importantly than his huge competitive achievements, “Little Melons” was affectionately known as the “good horse” with a heart of gold and the fluffiest ears who taught so many young riders how to rope. Nothing will ever bring Malone and Rocky back and their memories will always live on, but we hope to be able to relieve the financial burden on their owners somewhat in this time of mourning. Rocky was a beautiful black thoroughbred who left behind his best friend, Tykes, and owners John and Stephanie Blair.

Tack rooms and feed rooms full of expensive equipment, essential supplies, and personal belongings were also lost in the fire. Some of the tack that was burned belonged to boarders who have ridden at Oak Canyon for decades, while other items lost were owned by youth riders who had paid for their first tack by tirelessly working weekend jobs or saving up birthday money. In addition, a large section of the barn’s structure was destroyed and needs to be rebuilt to ensure that it is safe for the remaining horses to live in.

Oak Canyon is a family business and a community barn. Many of the current adult riders discovered the joy of horses at the barn’s annual summer camp, and now they get to share that passion with their own kids when they attend camp or take lessons. Unlike some affluent equestrian centers, Oak Canyon has been built from the ground up by dedicated horsemen, women and children who put the welfare of their horses before anything else. They sacrifice so many other luxuries in life to look after their horses on the hottest summer days or the rainiest winter nights. In return, the horses are far more than just animals or pets: they’re family members, best friends, partners, athletes and four-hooved therapists, who are always there when they need them.

This is a barn family and a community stricken by the most unimaginable tragedy that now needs to rebuild, recover and remember those who were lost. We appreciate any help that you can give us so that Oak Canyon can continue to be a welcoming place where riders of any age and ability can fulfill their equestrian dreams, and a safe home for the horses that we all love and nurture.

All donations given will go towards repairing the damage done to the barn’s structure; paying vet bills for the horses injured; buying new tack and stable supplies; and doing what we can to fill the holes left in the Blairs’ and Daniel’s hearts by the loss of Rocky and Malone to honor those magnificent horses.