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HomeHorse ShowsTitle: Fire Erupts at Appleby Horse Fair, Prompting Quick Response from Attendees...

Title: Fire Erupts at Appleby Horse Fair, Prompting Quick Response from Attendees and Firefighters

Footage shared on social media show the moment a raging fire at Appleby Horse Fair in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, ripped through a tent and a stall, and engulfed a van. Video footage of the incident was taken from the fair, which attracts thousands of members of the Roma and travellers communities from across Europe.

A video was shared on YouTube, showing the fire tearing through a white van set up in a corner of a field alongside a stall and several tables. The clip, which is over 15 minutes long and shows police on the scene, has been viewed over 7000 times. Firemen could be seen tackling the blaze as fair-goers watched on. Some attendees had tried to help, as they bravely ran towards the fire to move away flammable objects and personal belongings to avoid further damage and prevent the blaze from spreading further.

A much shorter clip shared on TikTok by user @mamakcrochet showed a large plume of smoke rising from the area where the fire had started. The fire has since been brought under control.

The historic fair is widely considered the biggest traditional travellers’ fair in Europe. During the fair, the local population of around 3,000 rises by several thousand as an estimated 10,000 travellers head to Cumbria to take part in the event. But the fair isn’t attended just by travellers.

The key moment of the fair sees travellers submerge their horses in the River Eden before trotting them up and down a closed-off rural road. The horses are then traded at auction. However, there are concerns that the practice may be unsafe, as not all those taking part can swim.

Martina Wright, who has over 200,000 followers across her social media channels, posted: "There’s so many people that go to Appleby would do anything to get on a horse but honestly not every horse will just go in and swim. Make sure you can swim also (I can’t swim) but I always stay on horses I know are comfortable with swimming etc.. It can all go wrong so easily and without the rider the horse could end up swimming further into the deep water rather than making its way out.. Just be careful, take your time, if you come stuck grab the mane! Not the bridle. Stay safe xxx"

The event is said to have originated in the 1770s on Gallows Hill where sheep, cattle and horse dealers went to sell their stock. But by the 1900s, the fair had evolved into an event for travellers.

A significant fire broke out at the Appleby Horse Fair in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, engulfing a tent, a stall, and a van. Video footage shared on social media captured the dramatic scene, showing firemen battling the blaze while fair-goers attempted to help by moving flammable items to prevent further damage. The fire was eventually brought under control, with clips of the incident garnering thousands of views online.

The Appleby Horse Fair, considered the largest traditional travellers’ fair in Europe, attracts around 10,000 visitors from the Roma and travellers communities, significantly increasing the local population of about 3,000. A key highlight of the fair involves travellers submerging their horses in the River Eden for trading purposes, although safety concerns have been raised regarding the swimming abilities of both horses and riders.

Martina Wright, a social media influencer, emphasized the importance of safety during this practice, advising participants to ensure they can swim and to be cautious around horses. The fair, which has roots dating back to the 1770s, has evolved over the years into a vibrant event for the travelling community, showcasing their culture and traditions.

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Title: "Spitfire Farm Camp in Coconut Creek: A Summer Adventure for Young Equestrians"


Local horse lovers, get ready to ride. Spitfire Farm, the popular equestrian facility and horse-riding school at 4201 Vinkemulder Rd., is accepting participants for its summer camp, which runs weekly from June 9 through Aug. 8, 2025. Weekly camps during the summer period are also available.

The farm, which also offers riding lessons Monday through Saturday, has doubled the size of its air-conditioned space to create a more comfortable environment for campers, said Ejola Cook, the farm’s owner. Cook is also a mother of four and knows the needs of parents looking for a fun summer camp environment.

The renovated camp area now features three distinct rooms: an arts and crafts area, a kitchen space for food storage, and a hangout area. This expansion allows campers to enjoy indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day while still maintaining an outdoor focus, Cook said.

Two new horses have joined the farm’s programs, much to the delight of returning campers: Oreo, a small black and white horse, and Teddy, a large pony, are already camp favorites.

With a total of 20 horses in their program, the camp ensures that every child gets a chance to ride daily. “I think that especially in this age of technology, where our kids are so often inside and in front of screens, anything that gets them out on the dirt and in the sun, doing things physically, is important,” Ejola Cook said. “I know a lot of parents are really looking for opportunities for their kids to go out and get hands-on activities and experiences.”

The camp continues to offer popular features such as an inflatable water slide and “Fun Fridays” with surprises like pizza day. To accommodate working parents, aftercare is available until 5 p.m.

The farm is home to horses of various levels and experiences, from rescues to advanced competitors. Children are placed into groups based on their age and skill level.

The facility is one of the few farms in Coconut Creek where horses can be ridden into Tradewinds Park. With the expanded facilities, the camp has increased its capacity to 25 campers per week, though spots are expected to fill up quickly. Applying campers who don’t get an initial spot will be wait-listed.

Interested families can find dates, pricing, and registration details on the farm’s website. Families can call or text 954-903-1772 or email [email protected] to sign up for camp.

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Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.

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