Stranded horse rescued from floods

Happy ending for stranded horse trapped overnight by swollen rivers in Devon

A horse which became stranded on a bank of the River Exe at Bickleigh, has been coaxed to safety by a team from the Devon Fire and Rescue Services.

The rescue service team tried for three hours last Sunday (10 November) to help the horse, but had to give up because of the speed of the water surrounding the bank.

Stationofficer, Chris Bridgeman, said: “We were called in again on Monday. Two fire crews were called out. We also had the help of a local canoeist who knows the river and was able to guide our men through the shallower parts.

“We managed to attach a line to the horse and coax him out. Then he galloped off and didn’t seem to be too stressed out by the experience.

“It all took around two hours, but it was a happy end to the story”.

The owner of the horse has not been traced.

Read more equine rescue stories:

• Heroes honoured after seven-hour rescue
• Firemen rescue drowning horse
• Brave teenager races to the rescue

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