Brave women and girls who rescued horses from Stourbridge wildfires treated to police stables visit

A group of brave women and girls who rescued horses from the devastating Stourbridge wildfires have been treated to a special visit to a police training centre as a thank you for their efforts.

The group, from Sugarloaf Equestrian Centre in Kinver, sprang into action when flames threatened horses in a nearby field during the fires in August.

They managed to lead three horses to safety just minutes before the field was engulfed in flames, before returning later that evening to help move more animals out of danger.

In recognition of their bravery, the group were invited to West Midlands Police’s Tally Ho Police Training Centre in Birmingham, where they met police horses, toured the stables and learned more about the work of the mounted police.

Izzy Williams, from Sugarloaf Equestrian Centre, recalled how quickly the fire spread and how the group had to act fast to save the animals.

She said: "We were just up the road from where it started, and once we noticed the fire a group of us went down and luckily managed to rescue three horses that were unfortunately in the field where it started.

"We went down with head collars and food and luckily the horses were really good so we managed to get them straight away.

"Once we had got them out of the field we waited in a nearby cul-de-sac for a transport, and once that arrived we got them on and got them out of there.

"The fire was really close to us and it spread really fast. About five minutes after we'd got the horses out the whole field was on fire, so we definitely got there just in time and acted quickly enough."

All three horses were safely reunited with their owners, while the group continued their efforts to help other animals threatened by the blaze.

Izzy added: "The three horses that we got out of that field went straight back to their owners safe and sound, luckily.

"Later that evening we managed to move a few more and those horses are still with us at our place, safe and sound again.

"In the moment adrenaline kicks in, but definitely afterwards I think we all thought it was a bit surreal."

The group's quick thinking and courage were recognised with the special visit to the police stables, giving them a chance to see how police horses are trained and cared for.

They also had the opportunity to meet officers and ask questions about the work carried out by the mounted police.

Reflecting on the experience, Izzy said: "It's been a really, really good day, we've all loved it.

"Seeing what the horses get up to with their training has been great and it's been a good chance to ask lots of questions."