Updated: Flint Ridge Farm in Alabama Takes Direct Hit From Tornado

Photo by Victoria Tripiano

Deadly storms tore across Alabama on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Flint Ridge Farm of Huntsville took a direct hit. The farm has hosted Tennessee Valley Dressage and Combined Training Association shows for many years, and in true eventer fashion the local horse community is banding together to rebuild.

“A tornado dropped between the house and the barns,” confirmed Flint Ridge boarder Victoria Tripiano. “The main barn roof is completely gone and there’s damage to that barn. The second barn is half blown away; what’s standing is missing the roof. The indoor arena is completely demolished.”

Fortunately, all of the humans and horses on the property survived the storm with remarkable resilience, though three horses, Batman, Dempsey and Thea, are currently receiving veterinary treatment, boarder Natalie Weil confirmed to EN.

“The most severely injured horse, Dempsey, is fortunately expected to fully recover to enjoy his retirement,” Natalie said.

“The third injured horse, Thea, belonged to a boarder. She is able to remain in a stall in the roofless main barn in order to protect her stitches. The three horses injured were the only three that were turned out, as they are pasture boarded. The other horses were all locked safely in their stalls.”

Photo by Victoria Tripiano

The property also sustained major damage to fencing, and the pastures are littered with debris. The farm’s collection of jumps is nearly completely gone. Victoria shared this video with us to show the full extent of the damage:

In the true spirit of the horse community, more than 60 people arrived at the farm yesterday to clean up debris and start repairs. “We were able to clear enough of the pastures to be safe for the horses, and we put up many temporary fences to keep the horses away from the debris that is difficult to clear, like glass from the mirrors in the indoor arena,” Natalie said.

“The barn aisle is now completely clear, with the remaining ceiling removed and ready for new roofing. The local roofing company, Dudley Brothers, came out as soon as they could yesterday and ordered and delivered some of the material needed to start repairs. The work on the roof has already started today.”

Photo by Victoria Tripiano

Flint Ridge Farm has started a GoFundMe page if you are able to make a monetary donation to help the farm clean up and rebuild. The farm’s most immediate needs are hay, grain and shavings.

“We had a fresh delivery of hay from our local supplier delivered on Monday before the tornado hit, and many of those bales are now peppered with shards of glass,” Natalie said. “Due to the drought, we are having difficulty finding hay to replace what was lost, and we are trying not to stress our supplier too much. He was one of the people there helping repair fences, all with a broken leg!”

Flint Ridge Farm is also active on Facebook, where you can follow for more updates about the storm recovery. Our best wishes go to Flint Ridge Farm in the recovery and clean-up process.

“Heidi, and her mother Diana, the owners of the farm, are doing an excellent job of keeping it together for everyone,” Natalie said. “We are all shaken by the reality that sometimes there is little you can do to protect what you love.”

If you are local to the area, Jim Graham is hosting a fundraising dinner during his show jumping and dressage clinic next Wednesday, Dec. 7, at River Rock Stables in Harvest, Alabama. All proceeds from the dinner and raffle will support Flint Ridge Farm’s recovery efforts. Click here for more information.

Jenni Autry contributed to this report and has an editor’s note to add: One barn cat is still missing in the wake of the tornado. Please join us in sending positive vibes that the sweet kitty is just hiding and will return home soon.

Update 12/1/16 5:26 PM: Natalie Weil of Flint Ridge Farm provided Nation Media with an update on conditions at the farm. Two of the injured horses have been transported to the local veterinarian; both are expected to fully recover. The third injured horse belongs to a boarder and is able to remain stalled in a roofless barn to protect her stitches. All three of the injured horses were pasture boarded; the horses inside the barn did not sustain injuries.

“Yesterday we had over 60 people, many of which we did not know, came to help us clean up and repair what we could,” Natalie noted. “We were able to clear enough of the pastures to be safe for the horses, and we put up many temporary fences to keep the horses away from the debris that is difficult to clear (glass from the mirrors in the indoor arena, siding, walls, etc.). The barn aisle is now completely clear and the remaining ceiling removed and ready for new roofing. The local roofing company came out as soon as they could yesterday and ordered and delivered some of the material needed to start repairs. My dad is there today, he let me know that they have already begun work on the roof!”

The farm insurance does cover the barns, shed and house on the property, but unfortunately the indoor arena was not covered. Additionally, there is immediate need for hay and shavings, as much of what was stored on the property is now peppered with shattered glass. Compounded with the drought in the southeast this year, the farm is having a difficult time finding hay. The GoFundMe page linked above is raising funds to help defray of these new materials, as well as to help replace fencing and the indoor arena.

“Heidi, and her mother Diana, the owners of the farm, are doing an excellent job of keeping it together for everyone,” Natalie added. “We are all shaken by the reality that sometimes there is little you can do to protect what you love.”