Area equestrians support Ancram family after home fire

HYDE PARK, N.Y. — Dutchess County’s equestrian community is coming together next month to support an Ancram horse trainer’s family after a fire destroyed their home in late March.

After an April fire destroyed the Ancram home of Kristy and Ronan Moloney, the waves of shock and support came from friends, neighbors, and large circles of horse owners in Dutchess County. The fire triggered a mass response from community members across southern Columbia and Dutchess County. A GoFundMe for the family has raised over $120,000, but the support didn’t stop there. The equestrian community has announced a charity competition to raise more funds. It’s set for June 7 at Netherwood Acres in Hyde Park.

The Moloney’s own and operate Kinnitty Capall Stables, an equine boarding and training center operating in the area for nearly 20 years. They’ve always been quick to offer a helping hand, so when Kristen Smith — the owner of Netherwood Acres and a horse trainer — heard about the disaster, she started brainstorming.

“They’ve always been there to help me out,” Smith said, “and been very kind to everybody. So I started thinking about what we could do.”

Smith lost her own home to a fire in 2019. She said she’s acutely aware of the toll of such devastation. “Having to pick yourself up like that, pick up your kids … it’s certainly a strain,” she said. “So I just thought, let’s get together as a community and ride together.”

On June 7, Netherwood Acres will host a combined test event that spans dressage and show jumping. All donations will benefit the Moloney family. Any equestrian interested in participating can sign up on www.striderpro.com or by contacting Courtney Hart-Delgado at cor2cort@gmail.com.

Smith says the response has been unwaveringly supportive. “When you work with animals, there’s always ups and downs,” she said. “We’re good at problem solving and coming together to do that.”

Donations aren’t the only way others can lend a hand: the event will feature a tack sale of used horse equipment. Eventgoers can also sign up for the Millbrook Horse Trials raffle drawing, which will also support the Moloney family.