Barrel skid and roll, and ‘a touch of people power’, needed to rescue stuck horse

(Image credit: County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service)

Firefighters – and a member of the public – came to the rescue of a veteran mare who was trapped with one hind leg stuck in fencing and the other stuck in mud.

Crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) were called to the 25-year-old mare early on Friday morning (19 April), who was stuck in a field in the Low Flatts area of Chester-le-Street. A fire engine from High Handenhold station and the service’s special rescue unit from Auckland went to the scene.

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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.

Barrel skid and roll, and ‘a touch of people power’, needed to rescue stuck horse

The special rescue unit team then “carried out a barrel skid and roll manoeuvre” to encourage the mare to get up on to her feet.

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

Mr Cowie said a “big thank you” to the team that had come to Storm’s aid.

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

High Handenhold watch manager Graham Liddle added: “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.”

The spokesman urged anyone confronted with such a situation to call 999 and ask for the fire service.

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