08/09/2025
I just couldn’t even imagine! 💔
Time passes and people start to forget, but those affected do not. It's been 2 weeks, but the damages and heartbreak are still happening daily for someone near and dear to our hearts.
We’re heartbroken to share that lifelong family friends of ours, Norman and Debbie Timbs, have suffered a devastating tragedy. On July 26, their beloved Shady Creek Ranch Horse Barn in Arlington, TN was completely destroyed in a horrific fire. In just 27 minutes, the 27-year-old building — the heart of their livelihood and dreams — was gone.
Nine beloved horses were tragically lost, along with irreplaceable keepsakes, awards, and items collected over a lifetime of love, dedication, and competition in the Paso Fino world. One horse did manage to escape the flames — but nothing can walk away from something like that unaffected. The lone survivor is home and recovering while these amazing horses were finally laid to rest yesterday. A fire tragedy hurts so much more than what you can see on the outside.
This wasn’t just a barn. It was a home, a gathering place, a monument to hard work, passion, and community. Norman and Debbie have spent the last 27 years pouring their hearts into this ranch, traveling far and wide to compete, make friends, and grow the Paso Fino community. Norman has even served as President and delegate of the Tennessee Valley Region for the Paso Fino Horse Association for over 20 years. Shady Creek wasn’t just a horse barn — it was a second home to so many, filled with horses, laughter, learning, and the “occasional” party.
They are incredibly blessed to still have each other, and now they’re trying to pick up the pieces and begin again. They didn’t just lose a building. They lost their way of life. But rebuilding from something like this is unimaginable — especially without the help of insurance, which unfortunately offered no support. They’re left to pick up the pieces on their own.
They would never ask for help themselves — but we are. Because we know how powerful our horse community and social media can be.
Here’s 2 ways you can show your support to the Timbs Family:
Donate:
If you’re able to donate even $1, it will go directly toward helping Norman and Debbie rebuild Shady Creek Ranch. The link to their "Go Fund Me" is in the comments since Facebook will not let this post be seen by as many people if it's in the main post.
Share Their Story:
If you’re not in a place to give, we completely understand — but please share this post. One share might connect them with someone who can help restore even a small part of what was lost.
Let’s come together and show the Timbs family that they’re not alone. Let’s help bring Shady Creek Ranch back to life!