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ATTLEBORO - An equestrian trainer facing child pornography and child rape charges, has not worked at a local riding stable for at least 10 years, said the owner of Horseshoe Equestrian Center in South Attleboro, who purchased the horseback riding center and boarding stable nine years ago.

Alayne Brenner, the owner, said the suspect, Joseph M. Silva, 32, of Swansea, has not been associated with the center since she took over the property.

"I've never met him," said Brenner of Silva, saying she received a visit from the Bristol County District Attorney's office some time ago asking if she had any information concerning the case.

Brenner, who offers lessons in riding and horsemanship as well as horse-boarding, said she has never had an incident at her stable involving a staff member.

Silva was arraigned Wednesday on charges stemming from sexual abuse of children associated with three horse farms including Morse Brook Equestrian Center. Morse Brook is the former name given to Horseshoe Equestrian Center. Other farms where children are believed to have been victimized in the case are located in Berkley and Lakeville. According to law enforcement officials, Silva is alleged to have introduced his victims to child and adult pornography and raped underaged girls in Berkley and Swansea. Some of the reported incidents date as far back as 1996.

Prosecutors say 265 of more than 70,000 images of child and adult pornography found on computer storage devices taken from Silva's home involve students associated with local stables. A spokeswoman for the Bristol County District Attorney's office declined to disclose whether any of Silva's alleged victims were students at the Attleboro center.

Brenner and equestrian instructor Diane Anderson said they were shocked by the publicity and are eager for the public to know that Horseshoe Equestrian Center was not involved.

"We have a safe, family-oriented facility," Brenner said.

Children adults come to the center to take lessons in basic riding as well as jumping and dressage or participate in monthly horse shows.

"People look out for one another here," she added.