GARDAÍ are investigating an incident of alleged arson at Horan Stud Farm in Claregalway, Co Galway on New Year’s Eve, in which one horse died.

A blaze broke out at the yard owned by well-known and respected Galway show jumper, stallion owner and breeder Owen Horan at approximately 10.20pm on December 31st, 2024. It is the third fire at his property in 14 months and the second in eight weeks.

Horan told The Irish Field his family are “terrified” with the ongoing torment. “This is the third fire. The first was last November time, they burned the truck to the ground. This is the third shed that has been burned.

“The shed that was burned on Tuesday, there is a lean-to on the other side which was burned a couple of weeks ago – there were horses in the stables and the doors were blazing. Anyone that would do a thing like that, with horses inside, I cannot understand it.”

Sadly, one horse was lost in the fire this week and “there is another one fairly bad, but we are hoping he will be okay,” Horan added emotionally.

Horan believes it was an arson attack and added that the Gardaí are on the case, but he believes the laws need to change. “It’s just nearly impossible to get a conviction on anyone.”

Horan lives five minutes from the yard, but the damage was done by the time he reached the property on Tuesday night. Winter fodder was destroyed and any bales that weren’t burned had to be broken down to get rid of the embers from the fire.

The ongoing situation is causing torment to his family. “My wife can’t sleep. My mother has dementia and I used to go and stay the nights with her, but I can’t because my wife is terrified on her own. You wouldn’t know where to turn,” he said.

Criminal damage

A statement from the Gardaí to The Irish Field read: “Gardaí in Co Galway are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire at a farm building at Cahergowan, Claregalway, at around 10.20pm on December 31st, 2024. A horse died as a result of the fire. No other injuries were reported. The scene was preserved and a technical examination was carried out. An investigation is ongoing.

“Anyone, including road users and pedestrians, who was in the Cahergowan area between 9pm and 11pm on December 31st and who observed any unusual activity or may have camera footage (including dash cam), is asked to contact Oranmore Garda Station on 091 388030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”

Springfield Riding Club set up a GoFundMe page on January 2nd, with the goal of raising €5,000 to help Horan Stud Farm get back on its feet. On Saturday morning, it had raised almost €20,000. “That will be a big help, people have been very kind, we were just wondering where we are going to get the money to start again,” said Horan.