MODESTO (Courtesy of KMJ's News Partner – CBS 13 Sacramento) A man who lost three horses in a barn fire says they were like family to him.
It's been a difficult few days for Ignacio Rios. His barn in was lost in a fire – with three of his best horses inside.
It happened Friday night – and the next day he laid them to rest.
Rios says he's trying not to think about what they went through.
"When I start thinking, I just block how they suffered,” Rios said. “I wish somebody stole them, or they died of colic, because that’s very natural things horses die [of].”
“Right now, I feel like I’m numb.”
The horses were used in parades and shows – and worth thousands of dollars.
Rios says his favorite companion – Splendido – was one of those consumed by the flames. He even broke his hooves and front legs trying to get out of the inferno.
Neighbors were able to save other horses and animals in the barn – but Rios says the loss of the three – especially Splendido – is hard for him to digest.
Investigators say the fire was accidental – but are yet to determine a cause.
A video of it can be seen below:
