A horse has had a lucky escape from a water-filled ditch in North Chideock, West Dorset, thanks to a team of rescuers.
The bay was wedged on his side and unable to free himself.
DWFireRescue
His owners kept his head above water while a crew from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFireRescue) devised a plan.
A strop was placed around the horse’s neck to help keep him from sinking further and a vet sedated him to keep him calm.
Fencing was removed as well as vegetation, then part of the bank was cut away to provide more room for pulling the horse free.
The horse was pulled from the ditch via stops. He was able to stand on his own and was checked over by a vet.
A spokesman from DWFireRescue reported on the rescue.
“One appliance from Bridport, one tactical adviser, one technical rescue support officer and one operational assurance officer from DWFireRescue and a animal rescue team from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service stationed at Exmouth Fire Station, were all mobilised after receiving a call for a horse that had become stuck in a ditch,” he said.
DWFireRescue
“On arrival crews found the horse wedged on its side in a deep-sided gully, nearly fully submerged under water and with the owners keeping its head above water.
“Once on scene a vet sedated the horse to keep it calm and prevent any further injuries to itself or the rescuers.
“Using shovels, spades and a local farmer with their machinery, part of the bank was dug away to allow easier extrication of the horse.
“A leg strop was then attached to the horses back legs and using a line, crews pulled the horse out of the ditch.
“This was another good example of cross-border working with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service with a great outcome.”
