Fosters were nice people, says farrier
Millionaire Chris Foster shared his wife and young daughter's passion for horses and was proud of his country home, the family's farrier said today.
Millionaire Chris Foster shared his wife and young daughter's passion for horses and was proud of his country home, the family's farrier said today.
Ian Coe worked at Osbaston House, in Maesbrook, near Oswestry, spending several days there in the weeks before the blaze.
He was preparing the horses for the various shows that 15-year-old Kirstie was competing in over the season.
Today Mr Coe said Mr Foster was also a keen rider and had even bought himself a horse. He was also planning on buying more horses in the near future.
"They were looking for a bigger horse for Kirstie. She had everything to look forward to. Chris rode the big horse - the Drayton Chestnut."
Mr Coe, of Pontrobert, Meifod, said he was regular face at the house and Mr and Mrs Foster were the "nicest people to work for".
He said: "The horses were shod every six to eight weeks. I'd made several visits there over the last few months.
"The next visit was when the horses were due to all come back together again and then I was going to start shodding them all at the same time.
"Chris was getting the horses and the stables sorted out down there."
Mr Coe said he had not seen Mr Foster "boasting" of his wealth during his visits.
"They were just so friendly - no airs or graces. They weren't flash at all," he said.
The 43-year-old farrier said the events at Osbaston House one week ago today had left everyone shocked.
"Chris was planting trees in the ground and removing dead trees. It was a beautiful place anyway but he was sorting it out and that's what he loved," he added.