Fire Destroys Woodland Run Equine Hospital in Grove City; Six Horses Killed

Woodland Run Equine Veterinary Hospital in Grove City suffered a catastrophic blaze that destroyed the hospital building and its associated 20 stalls, killing six horses and leaving the regional racing community reeling. “On the evening of Feb. 6, 2026, Woodland Run Equine Veterinary Hospital experienced an unimaginable tragedy. The hospital building and associated 20 stalls were destroyed by fire. While no humans lost their lives or were injured, six horses perished,” the clinic said in a statement.

Jackson Township Firefighters Local 2672 reported responding to the scene just after 8:00 p.m., and Woodland Run thanked local fire crews and first responders for their work. “We would also like to express our gratitude to the local fire department and first responders who battled the blaze.” The fire remains under investigation and officials have not released a cause.

Woodland Run identified the equine fatalities by breed: three Standardbreds, two Quarter Horses and one Thoroughbred. “We at Woodland Run express our deepest sympathy to the people associated with the three Standardbreds, two Quarter Horses and one Thoroughbred that died.” No horse names, owners or trainers have been released, and there were no reported human injuries.

The veterinary staff signed the clinic statement, including Dr. Richard C. Mather, Dr. F. John Reichert, Dr. Richard Rothfuss, Dr. Robert N. Buell, Dr. Aaron Stingle, Dr. Tony Petrowitz, Dr. Christopher P. Beinlich and Dr. Chase Watiker. Woodland Run also acknowledged the emotional toll: “The outpouring of prayers, thoughts and support from the community, clients, friends and veterinary colleagues has been tremendous. To that, we say thank you.” WHIO quoted the clinic on the deeper impact: “A barn or clinic fire represents an immeasurable loss - of patients, of memories, and of years of dedicated work. The impact on those who cared for those horses each day is profound, and we share in their grief. The equine veterinary community is small and closely connected.”

For the Standardbred sector, the loss of three Standardbreds touches a tight-knit circuit where horses are not only athletes but breeding and racing investments. Standardbred Canada invited condolences to the connections of the horses involved, and industry outlets in harness racing underscored the broader ripple effects: lost training schedules, postponed procedures and pressure on nearby clinics to absorb caseloads.

Practical issues are immediate. Woodland Run asked supporters to direct memorial donations to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program and ReRide Quarter Horse Adoption. “For those who would like to donate in the names of the horses that died, we ask that you contact New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program and/or ReRide Quarter Horse Adoption.” The clinic also cautioned patients about phone outages: “Please bear with us as we get our phones back on line.” “If you are scheduled for an appointment at the clinic, please contact us at 614-871-4919.”

Beyond grief, the episode raises industry-level questions about fire prevention, emergency planning and capacity at equine hospitals. Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center has said it is committed to supporting Woodland Run’s recovery and rebuilding efforts, a sign that regional veterinary networks may play a key role in short-term triage and longer-term resilience.

Investigators will need to establish cause and whether changes in barn design, staffing or equipment can reduce future risk. For owners, trainers and racing fans, the immediate ask is to support affected connections and the adoption groups named by Woodland Run while following updates from investigators and the clinic on recovery and service continuity.