A 12-year-old cob found collapsed and stuck in mud and showing signs of hypothermia has been rescued by the RSPCA and Kent Fire and Rescue Services.
His rescuers believe the horse may have got his legs trapped in the straps of his rug, which caused him to fall over and become stuck in the mud.
RSPCA Inspector Cora Peeters and Animal Rescue Officer Chloe Wilson responded to reports of a horse stuck in the mud. After searching in the dark, they found the cob in an area of a field that was “extremely boggy with mud higher than ankle deep”.
A vet from Lingfield Equine Veterinary Practice was called to attend urgently
“Poor Albert was really weak and the vet was growing increasingly concerned for his condition and suspected him to be struggling with hypothermia, so it was vital we got him to his feet as soon as we could,” said Chloe.
“Luckily, Kent Fire and Rescue Service were able to spare their technical rescue crew to support us in the rescue, for which we were incredibly grateful.”
Manoeuvred on to a board
The cob — nicknamed ‘Albert’ — was manoeuvred on to a board and pulled away from the mud.
“Away from the mud, Albert was able to sit up a little, and he started to chew on some hay which was a really promising sign, but he was still too weak to get on his feet, so the firefighters used their specialist equipment to lift him to standing,” said Chloe.
“We couldn’t have [rescued him] without their special expertise and equipment. It’s a wonderful example of how we can all work together to help animals when they really need.”
Towels were rubbed all over Albert’s body to stimulate blood flow to his muscle and help his body warm up.
The cob was able to stand unaided when the team loaded him onto a trailer and transported him to the veterinary hospital.
Promising signs of recovery
“Albert is showing a really promising sign of recovery at the moment. We’re treating him with pain relief for his muscles and stiffness, caused by the ordeal,” said Rachel Atherton, Director at Lingfield Equine Vets.
“We suspect his legs had become trapped in the straps on his rug which is how he came to be collapsed, and that he was then unable to get himself up because the mud was so thick and deep.
“Albert has become a firm favourite with our staff at the hospital, who are making sure he is very spoiled, and enjoying a cosy, warm bed out of the wind and rain and mud whilst he recovers,” added Rachel.
“We often work alongside the RSPCA and are really glad to be able to play a big part in Albert’s rescue.”
