Fire destroys horse barn at disabled children's center
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Posted 10:27AM on Monday, September 9, 2002
ELLENWOOD - A fire destroyed a 12-stall horse barn at a center for mentally and physically disabled children.<br>
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No people or animals were hurt in the Sunday blaze that destroyed more than $100,000 in property, including special saddles and reins designed for the center's students.<br>
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Investigators haven't determined what started the fire, but were to return to the site on Monday.<br>
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The Reece Center for Handicapped Horsemanship hasn't had property insurance for six months, director Wade Wheeler said. The 18-year-old nonprofit center, serves 32 students with autism, blindness, Down syndrome and spina bifida.<br>
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The horses' motions help exercise muscles the riders rarely use and improve their motor control and balance.<br>
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The center operates on a $64,000 budget from private donations and limited fund-raising. Its instructors are volunteers.<br>
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