Crawley fire crews rescue escaped horse

Officers from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s Technical Rescue Unit were called to a field in Russ Hill, near Charlwood at around 1pm on Good Friday to reports of a horse stuck in a muddy pond.

A crew from Crawley Fire Station and a further appliance from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were also mobilised along with a vet from Mayes and Scrine Equine Veterinary Practice.

Watch manager of the technical rescue unit, Mick Lewin, said: “Upon arrival we found the horse, named Toddy, stuck on its side in a muddy pond having broken out of his enclosure.

“Working closely with the vet to decide the best course of action, it was decided that due to his position in the mud we would need to carry out a lift rescue using the Unimog to get him back on his feet.

“Getting stuck in the mud must have been quite a stressful experience for him, but we were able to carry out the rescue while ensuring he stayed calm.

“Thankfully once out of the mud he was steady on his feet and reunited with his owner after being checked over by the vet, and he was no worse for wear - after having a wash down!”

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