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Horses Dodge Disaster in Dramatic Collapse (Image Credits: Static.fox4news.com)
Argyle, Texas – A nonprofit equine therapy facility faced a harsh setback when heavy ice from a recent winter storm caused multiple horse shelter roofs to collapse.
Horses Dodge Disaster in Dramatic Collapse
The incident unfolded two days before reporters arrived, as operations manager David Kershen glanced out his window and spotted chaos below. Horses had scattered momentarily when the roofs gave way under the ice’s weight, but quickly calmed and resumed eating from their buckets. No animals suffered injuries despite the exposure to freezing conditions and falling debris.
The shelters, installed just a few years prior, were expected to endure a decade of use. Kershen noted the unexpected vulnerability: “It was a few years old. But it should have lasted 10 years, and it didn’t.” This marked a new challenge for the center, which had fortified against frozen pipes after the 2021 storm but never anticipated such structural failure.
Volunteers Mobilize for Rapid Cleanup
Neighbors and dedicated volunteers sprang into action immediately, deploying tractors and ladders to dismantle the wreckage. They cleared paddocks, secured remaining structures, and even swept the grounds with magnets to remove stray nails and screws, ensuring horse safety amid ongoing cold snaps.
Kershen described the effort: “We got tractors in here, and ladders, and we demoed everything and made the paddocks safe for the horses.” Their quick work minimized risks, allowing operations to continue in adapted spaces while a roofing expert prepares to assess next week.
New Hope Equine: A Vital Lifeline for Many
New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy serves children and adults with disabilities through 50 to 60 therapeutic rides each week. The program leverages horses’ gentle nature to foster emotional growth, physical coordination, and confidence in participants.
Founded to provide accessible healing, the Argyle-based nonprofit now confronts repair costs that threaten its rhythm. Staff remain committed, viewing the setback as temporary amid their mission’s proven impact.
Rebuilding Plans Focus on Storm-Proof Design
Leaders plan a robust overhaul, demolishing vulnerable remnants and constructing shelters engineered for heavier snow and ice loads. Reconstruction targets completion by spring, restoring full capacity sooner.
Kershen affirmed the resolve: “We’ll ensure this doesn’t happen again. We’ll take down any of the remaining structure built like this, and we’re just gonna build it back stronger.” A GoFundMe campaign supports these efforts, channeling donations toward materials and labor.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple shelters collapsed from ice weight; no horses injured.
- Volunteers cleared debris swiftly, prioritizing animal safety.
- Nonprofit provides 50-60 weekly therapy sessions for those with disabilities.
This episode underscores North Texas’s vulnerability to rare but fierce winter assaults, yet highlights community solidarity in recovery. As New Hope pushes forward, its story inspires support for local causes that blend compassion with resilience. What steps would you take to aid a neighbor in crisis? Share in the comments.
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