ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University's national champion equestrian team lost its riding facility when a fire erupted on Sept. 6 at Stonegate Farms in Belpre, Ohio.

The blaze destroyed the barn, arena, tack and tack room. One horse was killed.

Because the team is a university club sport, its main source of funding is from fundraisers and club dues. The equestrian team is in need of tack, grooming products, first aid supplies and/or monetary donations.

Items may be sent to Ohio University Equestrian Team, c/o Jessica West, 38 N. McKinley Ave., Apt. 116, Athens, Ohio, 45701. West can also be reached by e-mail at JessicaAnnWest@hotmail.com.

Competing against 14 of the nation's best intercollegiate equestrian teams, Ohio University's team rode to a decisive win at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association's National Horse Show, held May 3-5, at Cazenovia College in New York. It was the first time the Athens, Ohio, team had competed as a team in the national event.