DOZENS of riders took over a high street last weekend in memory of an arson tragedy.

More than 50 riders and their horses took part in the Elmwood memorial event on Sunday, December 5.

The event remembers the 12 horses which were killed in a horrific fire at Elmwood Equestrian Centre in Burnham on December 3, 2017.

A cat also perished and other horses were left traumatised by the incident.

After the blaze, Essex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was believed to have been started deliberately.

For the past three years Grace Tredgold and Ciera Battson, both aged 22, have organised memorial rides to remember the horses – including their own.

Grace’s horse, Willow, was ten years old when it died in the tragedy.

Every year they encourage Burnham residents and those from surrounding towns and villages to turn out and show their support.

Grace said: “The support this year was as always brilliant. So many people watched, clapped and stopped their cars to record us all go past.

“We did have people support last year despite Covid, however it was lovely to see the community of Burnham coming out of their homes and taking time out of their day to show us no one has forgotten what happened.”