February 26, 2023 brought many challenges to our mission. The arena, which had been purchased and installed after a tornado 4 years ago took out our large barn, was destroyed. Thankfully no animals were harmed and their primary paddocks were not damaged severely.
The tornado damage trapped the ranch truck under debris until one of our many friendly and helpful neighbors came by with their tractor to help us. They were able to temporarily pull a section of the wall off the truck and allow us to drive the truck out of the debris.
The animals were exhausted and scared after a long night of stress. The large horses had run down into the lowest area of the ranch to try to escape the 80+ mile per hour tornadic and straight line winds. The minis, goats, donkey, and other animals took shelter in their paddocks and shelters as best they could.
We are so thankful that no one on the ranch was injured and know that God will provide a way for us to continue working in the community to bring help to animals in need, at risk youth, and persons with disabilities.
Tornado Damage
Standing on Truck Bed hidden under debris
Side of Arena, see that post? It used to be 3 feet underground.
Look closely you will see the truck under there.
Helping Hands from Neighbors
Helpful Neighbors came to clean up debris
Truck took some hits
Arena is lost
Post on top of training gate
Rescuing the horse tack
So much twisted debris
This used to be a working area
Fencing cracked and broken
Arena posts bent and twisted by tornado
Huge posts ripped from the ground and tossed 20+feet
Accessing if anything is salvageable
Shed Roof Damage
Neighbors helping in time of need. The Oklahoma Standard!
Ranch house roofing
Ranch house roof damage
Tulip in her paddock just around 100 feet from the destroyed arena.
Fence posts broken off at the ground
Ranch house siding found