More than 20 horses are dead after probable arson-related fires incinerated two stables at the Swiss National Institute of Equitation (IENA) in Avenches, Switzerland. The horses were trapped inside during the early morning fires which have been likened to a “terrorist act” by the institute’s director.

“We can only respond to this act by bringing triumph to our values, which are fair play and respect—values which are manifest in the daily relationship between coach, equestrian, and horse,” said Jean-Pierre Kratzer, IENA director.

Seven fires broke out within an hour shortly after midnight on Saturday, July 16, in various locations in and around Avenches, according to the Police of the Canton de Vaud.

Two of these fires destroyed two distinctly separated buildings of the IENA, killing all 11 of the institute’s trotting ponies as well as 13 trotting horses, including one horse who had originally survived the flames but had to be euthanized later in the equine clinic due to smoke inhalation, Kratzer said. One of the 4-year-olds that was killed, Dealer d’Occagnes, had just returned a few hours earlier from a race in Cluny, France, where he had placed fifth in the Prix Super U Presse