It was a case of “teamwork at its best” in Herefordshire yesterday (3 September) as 800kg Belgian draught horse Ruby was rescued from a bog.
The 17hh mare was stuck neck-deep but her rescuers worked together to lift her out, uninjured and “in good health”.
A spokesperson for Bromyard Fire Station, part of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said its large animal rescue team and firefighters from Wyre Forest Fire Station were called to Ruby’s rescue.
Picture by Bromyard Fire Station
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
“Ruby had got through the electrical fencing and into a bog, and was unable to get out,” the spokesperson said. “The owner had called for a local farmer to come with his teleporter and a vet from Severn Edge Equine Vets. On arrival the fire crew found Ruby up to her neck in the bog; straw was placed in front her and pushed down to try and give her something to stand on and hopefully get out but she was already very tired and wasn’t able to.”
The rescue team made a plan to lift the mare out; the spokesperson said it was a difficult task to get strops round Ruby’s body.
“But after some time the crews were successful,” he said. “Once the front and rear strops were in place and spills harness fitted front and rear, Georgie the vet sedated Ruby to keep her calm during the lifting process. She was lifted clear of the bog and carried to a place of safety; she was allowed to stand in the lifting harness for a time to find her legs again.
Picture by Bromyard Fire Station
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
“The harness was released and she was walked back to her stable where Georgie could give her a thorough health check; she confirmed that Ruby was uninjured and in good health and will be fine after a good rest.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Thanks to everyone that was involved in this rescue, teamwork at its best delivering a brilliant result for Ruby.”
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
