Trapped horse sparks emergency rescue at Wirral riding school

May 13 2009 by Vicky Anderson, Birkenhead News

RESCUERS faced a dramatic race against time to save a horse trapped in mud.

It is thought that Penny, a seven-year-old, may have been trapped all night at Barnston Riding Centre before being found and faced certain death without the speedy intervention of specialist fire crews from Upton, and later Croxteth, who had the heavy lifting supplies needed for the rescue.

Croxteth watch manager Gary Leith said: “The horse was buried up to her neck and shoulders in a muddy pool. The vet was concerned and didn’t think she would survive. But now she’s fit and well.”

Ten members of the fire and rescue service used special inflatable packs to secure the unstable ground around Penny and allow them to get to the horse.

An ordinary fire hose was wrapped under the horse and the 10 rescuers, with the help of a tractor, dragged her free.

Staff at Barnston Riding School, in Gills Lane, said Penny is one of their best-loved horses, with a well-behaved, quiet nature that makes her a favourite with adults and beginners, and her temperament probably made the rescue easy.

She is expected to undergo more checks over the coming days.