Billy the horse rescued from Cornish river after falling down bank

Firefighters managed to get him free

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 10th Mar 2022

A horse has been rescued after falling down a bank and getting stuck in a river in Cornwall.

Firefighters from St Austell and Bodmin were called to Minorca Lane in Bugle just before 10.30am on Thursday morning (10th March).

They managed to use specialist equipment to get Billy free.

Luckily he wasn't injured, just exhausted and stressed after his ordeal.

St Austell Community Fire Station said: "A water rescue team from St Austell Community Fire Station and line technicians from Bodmin Community Fire Station successfully rescued 'Billy' earlier.

"The 20-year-old 800kg+ horse was understandably exhausted and stressed, but safe and well after a quick check over."

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service added: "Firefighters from Bodmin and St Austell attended a call to a large horse who had slid down a bank and become stuck.

"Firefighters used saws and small tools to make access to the horse. Crews used strops and lines along with large animal rescue equipment to extricate the horse from the water.

"The horse was recovered from the river using Fire service equipment and the horse owner's tractor."

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