A Greene County family was shocked and saddened when it found three healthy, well-cared-for horses dead in their pasture. Though family members initially suspected foul play, their veterinarian told them the animals had been struck and killed by lightning.

In the random manner of storms, a mare and her foal frolicking in the same pasture were hit by the lightning but survived.

"My children are devastated," said Rebecca Walker of Carmichaels.

Her son, Stephen Marietta, 13, and her daughter, Megan Marietta, 11, have been riding for two years and competing in horse shows as members of the Boots and Spurs 4-H horse club.

Mrs. Walker's children and their cousin, Bethany Sumey, 16, had ridden the horses named Kitty, Boo and Shadow in competition at the Greene County Fair several days before they were killed Friday.

"They all did really well and had qualified to move on to district competition," Mrs. Walker said.

"Our veterinarian said that lightning hit a nearby tree and traveled to the horses. We couldn't see where the lightning hit, but she could, and she showed us.

"The lightning also hit a mare and her 3-month-old colt, Blaze. You can see the burn marks on the colt's hooves, but he is running around like nothing happened. His mother is fine, except that she is pregnant and the vet says she will miscarry.

"The horses usually go into the barn during storms, but I think the storm came up too quickly for them to get there," she said.

Mrs. Walker said her children will attend the district competition to cheer their friends in the club.