Update On Horses Caught In Firestorm

There were many images that emerged from the devastation that ensued last Tuesday, when a gust front launched the Waldo Canyon Fire into northwestern Colorado Springs.

Footage of two horses created a lot of commotion.

The horses’ owner, Mike Slattery, was flying back to Colorado when the fire erupted.

He told KRDO Newschannel 13 that there was no trailer on the property, so neighbors decided to release the horses allowing them to rely on their own instincts to survive.

Slattery explained there was some confusion also regarding the location of the horses, with many under the impression that the horses had been saved.

“There were some trailers leaving the property. So, they assumed those were horses. We knew that they weren’t, they were still on the property,” he said.

Slattery was in very close contact with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and was able to explain to them where the horses typically grazed.

“Luckily, Larry and Shawn from the El Paso County Emergency Equine folks brought a trailer up the next morning and found them grazing just where we thought they’d be,” said Slattery.

The horses survived the smoke and flames for an entire night, and were brought to the Norris-Penrose Events Center to stay for a few days while their homes were evacuated.

The horses returned back to their land near the Peregrine and Mountain Shadows neighborhoods Wednesday.

“They’re safe. We’ve had so many people calling. Thank you! They recognize them, I’m sure, when they see their lovely faces, but we’re all happy it turned out just fine,” said Slattery.

Slattery expressed his sincerest gratitude to the firefighters involved with containing the Waldo Canyon Fire and the deputies who saved his beloved horses.