Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to rescue a horse yesterday that had fallen into a water filled ditch. The water was over three feet deep and muddy and the horse was found distressed, cold and shivering

Four fire appliances from Street, Bridgewater and two from Glastonbury were called to the scene at14.14, at Street Drove, Street.

Group Manager, Somerset Command, Neil Demmar, who attended the scene said: “The horse was in a field of horses, something must have frightened the animal and it had fallen into the ditch and become stuck. The field was some distance from the main road and we used our 4 wheel drive to get to the ditch. A nearby local farmer also drove his tractor over to assist us with the rescue.” 

Three firefighters wearing dry suits climbed into the ditch with the animal, while the rest of the crew stayed on the bank.  A harness was then attached to the tractor and to the horse. Lines were also used and the horse was pulled from the ditch unharmed. The rescue took over two hours.  

Neil said: “This is the third incident in the last month that I have attended where a horse in an open field has fallen into a ditch. Horses are easily startled animals and need to be kept in fenced in fields in order to protect them and prevent these types of incidents happening. If they fall into a ditch, it’s unlikely they will be able to get them selves out. This is a call to action to anyone who owns or rents open fields.”

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For further information please contact Press Officer, Suzie Izzard on 01392 872296 email sizzard@dsfire.gov.uk