Fire crews save shire horse from ditch
Teams received the call for help after Ben got stuck
A large shire horse has been rescued from a ditch in North Devon.
Teams were called to the scene in Ashwater at around 9.13am yesterday morning (Wednesday 15 February).
The horse, named Ben, was sedated by the vet before any rescue attempt was made - for his safety and those working to save him.
Crews from Barnstaple, Holsworthy and Clyst St George attended.
A statement from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "Fire Control received a call this morning for a shire horse stuck in a ditch and unable to get up.
"The owner had already called their vet to assist but further assistance was required to help the horse out.
"Before arrival, the vet sedated the horse slightly before any attempt of rescue could be carried out. This was both for the horses safety and personnel working alongside.
"Crews attended and made the decision to request the telehandler from our Specialist Rescue Team to help them in safely removing the horse from the ditch.
"Fire crews worked alongside a local farmer with his digger to remove some of the ditch wall to gain better access to the horse for a safer removal.
"Once the telehandler team arrived, crews used the specialist rescue equipment to safely remove the 19 hands high shire horse, named Ben.
"Ben was rescued and checked over by the vet and duty of care was left with the owner."