Firefighters rescue horse stuck in the mud in County Durham

It was ‘neigh-bother’ for Firefighters to rescue a horse trapped in mud in Chester-Le-Street.

Author: Ellie KumarPublished 23rd Apr 2024
Last updated 23rd Apr 2024

It was ‘neigh-bother’ for Firefighters to rescue a horse trapped in mud in Chester-Le-Street.

Crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were called help a horse stuck in a field in the in the Low Flatts area just before 7.30am on Friday, April 19.

One fire engine from High Handenhold Fire Station and the Special Rescue Unit from Bishop Auckland Fire Station attended the incident.

On arrival, crews discovered that a 25-year-old Chestnut mare called Storm had her rear left leg trapped in fencing and her rear right leg stuck in mud.

A kind member of the public had already freed Storm’s leg from the fencing before Firefighters arrived, so the crew got straight to work in freeing her from the mud.

They used animal rescue equipment, slings, and a touch of people power, to move her to more solid ground.

The Special Rescue Unit from Bishop Auckland then carried out a barrel skid and roll manoeuvre to encourage the mare to get up onto her feet.

Although tired from her ordeal, the horse got straight up, to the delight of owner, Chris Cowie.

He said: “I’d just like to say a big thank you to the crew.

“I really appreciate everything they did for Storm and I am so relieved she escaped with no injuries.”

High Handenhold Watch Manager, Graham Liddle, said: “It’s not every day you get to attend an animal rescue, and it is always a great day when they go as successfully and safely as this one did.

“The crew and I are so pleased to hear Storm has made a full recovery.”

CDDFRS crews don’t just attend fire related incidents, they are trained in a host of rescue techniques.

In situations like this, the service is urging the public to call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.

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