February 28, 2019–Several horses have been lost in a devastating fire that spread through Gestut Erlenhof, the stable yard of elite German dressage family, the Rothenbergers, in Bad Homburg, Germany, this morning.

Gestut Erlenhof is home to international riders Sven and Gonnelien Rothenberger and their children Sönke, Sanneke and Semmieke, all decorated dressage riders. Reports indicate that the fire destroyed the 50x50m indoor school as well as other buildings. 

According to the latest police report, at least five horses perished in the fire, but many horses were released and saved. Three horses are injured and are being treated. Sönke, 24, was able to rescue his Olympic gold-medal partner, Cosmo 59, from the fire.

Sanneke, 26, suffered from smoke inhalation and was brought to the hospital for observation.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Learn more about barn fire facts and how you can take steps to protect your horses from a barn fire.

Information sourced from Horse & Hound and Euro Dressage.