“It’s the feeling that we are losing everything before our eyes”

Storm Eunice wreaked havoc in the Abbeville area this weekend. About fifteen kilometers northeast of the city, the equestrian center “Les écuries de Gapennes” was particularly affected. In addition to teaching horse riding, the center also does equine mediation with people with disabilities and has around fifty students. The 35 horses and ponies were spared but the wind made big damage on the facilities. Since Friday every classes are canceled.

30,000 euros in damage

The couple who manage the stable are still in shock. As soon as you enter the equestrian center, the paddocks are in poor condition. several acres of electric fences are on the ground. A few meters further the roof of a stall flew away. In the interior stables, metal sheets are pierced or torn off, but what most despairs Claire Tillier, the manager, is the state of the carousel roof. Where 80% of the lessons are given, almost half of the roof was torn off by the storm. “It started with a loud ripping noise and a banging,” she says. “It’s the feeling that we are losing everything before our eyes”.

The note of repairs may be very salty: “30,000 euros in damage if we stay on an optimistic estimate”, says manager Francois Badie. The couple contacted their insurance, but they do not know if they will be able to be reimbursed for the roof of the ride and plans to appeal for donations and solidarity.