A horse-rescuer who built up her yard in Swanley from scratch has “lost everything” in a suspected arson attack at her stables.
The incident at rescuer Debbie Sinclair’s yard in Church Road happened between 3pm on Wednesday, December 22 and 8am on Thursday, December 23.
Debbie rescues ex racehorses with injuries and racers who can’t find homes by providing them with a safe, loving home until their last days.
She said she is "absolutely devastated" at what has happened to her and her horses - whose alternative is "normally euthanasia".
Debbie told the News Shopper: "I am absolutely devastated that this has happened to me and more importantly my horses.
"All have raced and served the industry well.
"I take them on when they have nowhere or nobody to take them.
"The alternative for these brave noble animals is normally euthanasia.
"I ensure that they have a home for life with me and fund their wellbeing entirely alone."
According to Debbie’s friend Kristina Valentine, who has set up a GoFundMe page to help her out, Debbie and the horses have “lost everything” - including feed, hay, rugs, headcollars, tack buckets, medication and their homes.
Kristina said Debbie “deserves all the help we can give her right now” as she faces a winter without her stables following the suspected attack.
Describing Debbie as a "kind, sweet woman", Kristina set up the fundraising page as her friend has gone “above and beyond to save, rehabilitate and care for these horses, no matter their physical or behavioural issues.”
Kristina also explained that Debbie “spends out of her own pocket to pay for all their care, medical treatment and to keep them happy and healthy”.
Debbie said: “I need the help of the local community.
"I have just been donated two very expensive rugs from Premier Equine who are a leading brand.
"I want to thank them for their kindness.
"I have been touched and am deeply grateful for the kindness people have shown.
"It has really restored my faith in human kindness after this wicked cruel act left my horses without shelter food or warmth at the most cruel time of year weather wise.
"How anyone could do this is beyond comprehension."
The GoFundMe page has a fundraising target of £5,000.
Anyone with information about the suspected attack should call the Kent Police appeal line on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference 46/263756/21.
The full appeal from Kristina said: "Hi there, I am starting this fundraiser for my friend Debbie.
"Debbie is kind, sweet woman who rescues ex racehorses with injuries or racers who cannot find homes for various reasons.
"She provides them a safe, loving home until their last days and is there for them every step of the way.
"Debbie has built her yard up from scratch to keep her horses safe, and cares for them like no other, her horses are mostly unridden, retired horses no one else wanted and she spends out of her own pocket to pay for all their care, medical treatment and to keep them healthy and happy.
"Anyone who has thoroughbreds knows this is no easy task and winter is upon us. These horses have lost their stables and Debbie has lost everything.
"Their feed, hay, rugs, headcollars, tack, buckets, medication, and their homes.
"She is now facing a winter without stables and trying to get money together to rebuild her yard so her horses can stay safe.
"Please help in any way you can. Debbie has gone above and beyond to save, rehabilitate and care for these horses, no matter their physical or behavioural issues.
"She deserves all the help we can give her right now.
"One of Debbie's mares is 22 and needs constant arthritis medication from the toll of racing."
A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “Officers are investigating a report of suspected arson at stables in Church Road, Swanley.
“The incident happened between 3pm on Wednesday 22 December and 8am on Thursday 23 December 2021.
“Investigators are urging anyone with information to call the appeal line on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference 46/263756/21.
“You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.”
Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel