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Firefighters in Shropshire have completed a hands-on training course to learn how to rescue horses from dangerous situations.
Six students took part in the four-day course earlier this month and will now assist in rescues with Shropshire Fire Service and Animal Rescue Specialists (SFRS).
Two days were run at Harper Adams University, Newport, (10-11 March) where students familiarised themselves with large animals, including horses.
The second half of the course was spent working with dummy horse “Bullseye” to learn various methods of rescue at Tong Park Farm, Telford (18-19 March).
“The students thoroughly enjoyed their training, even when they were knee deep in mud rescuing Bullseye from another tiring scenario,” said watch manager Craig Jackson.
“They can now take a more active role in real rescues and have their hands on the equipment, working close to the animal.”
The animal rescue team has been running for two years and their demand is increasing.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Through social media and press the message of our capabilities is getting out to the rural community and they are relying on us more to help rescue their animals,” added Craig.
“As a service we recognise the dangers in attending these incidents, not only to our firefighters but also the owners of horses.
“If we don’t rescue the animal the owners will try and then we could be rescuing the owner.”
SRFS has rescued seven horses in the past six months.
This includes four incidents previously reported on horseandhound.co.uk — a mare that was winched from a ditch, a gelding that became trapped on a gate, a pony stuck in a trench and a foal rescued from a slurry pit.
To get in touch with SRFS, email Animal.Rescue@shropshirefire.gov.uk
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.