Horses Fleeing from Florence Take Refuge in Herndon Park

Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon has become the temporary home for nine horses affected by Hurricane Florence.

The park is on the Virginia Equine Evacuation Site List, allowing the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park to notify 6,000 members on the list that the park was available to lend a hand.

The nine horses are from southern Virginia and North Carolinas. Horse owners do not incur any costs for using the stalls at Frying Pan Farm Park and can visit their horses while they’re at the park.

Equestrian manager Meghan Look is working with Visit Fairfax, a nonprofit organization that promotes the county as a tourist destination, to find lodging and food for the horse owners while they’re in the area.

The state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services waived inspection requirements typically required to transfer a horse across state lines. Look said there was no time to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to receive the certificate due to the hurricane.

The horses will remain at the park until it is safe to return to their homes. At least 17 people have died in storm-related incidents since Hurricane Florence sprawls over six states, with North and South Carolina in the bull’s eye. The hurricane is expected to produce widespread heavy rains.

Photos via Cristin Bratt