Police tape blocks off the charred remains of what’s left of the horse stables after fire. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Devastating Fire

Equine group worried about future horse events in P.A. after stable fire

Feb 27, 2023 | 4:44 PM

At least one group of equestrians is worried about what the future is going to look like at the Prince Albert Exhibition Grounds (PAEX) after its horse stable was destroyed in a fire.

Fire crews were able to put out the blaze before any other buildings were damaged, however, the stables were a complete loss. The fire is under investigation with the P.A. Fire Department (PAFD) saying at the time that the cause appeared to be suspicious.

Gayle Cartier, co-owner of Cartier Farms, told paNOW her horses usually make at least two appearances at the grounds each year including during the annual summer fair.

“There are horse shows that go on all through the summer months, and I think it’s one of the oldest agricultural fairs in Canada as far as keeping livestock going and having livestock events.”

PAEX still doesn’t know what the exact cost of the damage is.

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There’s also no decision on whether the stables will be rebuilt as the organization first needs to determine how much it will cost.

“I think it would be a huge loss to the community,” Cartier added.

She also shared a story of how PAEX loaned the stables for free for all horse owners affected by the wildfire near the hamlet of Crutwell back in 2018.

Cartier Farms ended up housing 35 horses in the stables during the evacuation order. Cartier explained she wouldn’t have known what to do if PAEX didn’t go above and beyond to help them.

“There’s nowhere else in the Prince Albert area that would have a large enough capacity to not only hold our horses but anybody’s horses from the surrounding area,” she added.

PAEX’s board of directors is set to meet sometime in March with the future of the stables being one of the top items up for discussion.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow