After hours in a muddy ravine, a horse in Amelia County, Virginia, was rescued through a multi-agency response involving first responders, animal control officers, law enforcement, a veterinarian, and technical rescue specialists.
The effort stretched on for hours before crews safely freed the exhausted animal and returned it to its owner.
Here's what to know
According to WWBT, the horse became stuck in a muddy ravine on Royalton Road. Amelia County Fire & EMS was dispatched at 8:55 p.m. Wednesday, and the animal was finally lifted out at 12:52 a.m. Thursday.
Chief David Felts of Amelia County Volunteer Fire Department Station 5 said the animal was in bad condition by the time rescuers arrived.
"He was about in a six- to eight-foot ravine, probably up two feet of mud underneath of it. He was laid down in it. Unknown downtime, how long he had been there, he was pretty worn out," Felts said.
Personnel from several Amelia County stations responded alongside Amelia County Animal Control, and the sheriff's office also assisted, WWBT reported. Because rescuing a large animal requires specialized equipment and training, additional help came from Chesterfield County Fire and EMS, Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services, and the Hanover County Fire-EMS Department.
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Equipment from Chesterfield's Technical Rescue Team was used for the hoist. A veterinarian remained at the scene throughout the rescue to monitor the horse's condition and provide care.
More background
Large-animal rescues can be especially difficult because responders have to protect both the trapped animal and the people trying to help. Horses can panic, shift their weight, or worsen their injuries.
Responders used a harness, hoist, and lowering device to bring the horse up carefully from the ravine. Capt. John Jacobson of Chesterfield County Fire and EMS said the effort depended on coordination among the agencies on scene.
"They actually lifted the horse clear of the hole itself and then brought it up to the ground where the vet was able to provide continuous care throughout that because of the relationships that we have with us, with all the entities in the area," Jacobson told WWBT.
They also dug out a ramp so the horse could stand and walk away under its own power once it was back on firm ground.
Once the animal reached stable footing, Felts said, crews removed the rescue rigging. WWBT reported that the veterinarian then helped move the horse along while the owner gave it water and food and walked it through the barn.
What's being done?
After the operation, first responders said the outcome showed the value of teamwork.
"It was definitely a completed mission, successful mission. And that's what we strive for," Felts told WWBT.
Jacobson added, "It's an excellent feeling that they have when they get done to know that was a successful rescue and the horse had the opportunity to get better afterward."
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