A PROCESSION of horses rode through Burnham in memory of horses which tragically died in a horrific blaze.

The Elmwood Equestrian Centre staged a tribute ride on the anniversary of a fire which killed 12 horses two years ago.

Firefighters from Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Tillingham, Rayleigh Weir and Corringham were called to the incident and spent eight hours fighting the blaze in Maldon Road in December 2017.

A dozen horses perished and others were left traumatised by the incident.

Supporters lined the streets of Burnham as 70 horses rode through the town at the weekend.

Organiser and rider Grace Tredgold, 20, said the day went really well.

Ms Tredgold said: “We couldn’t have asked for it to have gone any better.

“Every driver was respectful of us, even getting out their cars to record us riding past.

“When we got to Burnham high street, the response was incredible.

“There was so many people who stood and watched us. It made myself, Ciera and Beth a little emotional because it was just overwhelming.

“Everyone who watched or rode said how great a ride it was, how well it was organised and how much they enjoyed it."

The riders were supported by the town council as well as police officers from the area.

Town mayor Wendy Stamp said: “Thank you to everyone who helped to make the memorial ride through Burnham on Sunday a huge success.

“Two years have passed since the awful tragedy when 12 horses died and the stables were caught in a horrendous fire.

“The residents and motorists showed huge respect for the immaculately turned out horses and riders.

“I certainly shed a few tears along with many others watching the memorial ride.

“A special thank you to Ciera Battson, Grace Tredgold, Gary, Steff and all the support vehicles, plus our rural police officers.”