A horse has been rescued after his rider unsuccessfully tried to cross a dyke in Essex earlier this month (22 December).
The chestnut was stuck in silt and water up to his stomach and a team of rescuers were called to the scene at 1.35pm.
Firefighters from Burnham, Tillingham and Rochford, Chelmsford Animal Rescue Unit and an off-road vehicle, rushed to Marsh Road in Burnham to help the horse.
He was sedated by a vet before being lifted from the water using a hoist attached to a fire engine.
“Three of the horse’s legs were trapped and the silt and water was up to its stomach,” said Station Manager Syd Barrett.
“When the Animal Rescue Unit arrived, two firefighters got into the water and set up the lifting equipment.
“Working with a vet, who sedated the horse, crews lifted it out of the ditch. Despite being in the water for two hours, it was not too distressed and was able to walk away.
“I’d like to praise our firefighters, including supporting crews who worked well with the Animal Rescue Unit. They all displayed excellent skills and were professional throughout.”
Ditch rescue
Earlier this month, Your Horse reported on the rescue of a horse from a ditch in West Dorset.
The bay was wedged on his side and unable to free himself.
His owners kept his head above water while a crew from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFireRescue) pulled him free.
He was able to stand on his own and was checked over by a vet.
“This was another good example of cross-border working with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service with a great outcome,” said a spokesman from DWFireRescue.
