“We anticipated a demanding and lengthy rescue.”
Earlier this month, the Maury County Fire Department in Columbia, Tennessee, responded swiftly to a distress call about a horse trapped in a nearby muddy sinkhole. Upon arrival, rescuers faced the daunting challenge of securing the horse’s safety.
“We foresaw a demanding and prolonged rescue,” disclosed Jeff Hardy, director of Maury County Office of Emergency Management, said. Swiftly, diverse county entities — Maury County Office of Emergency Management, Maury County Highway Department, and Williamson County Fire/Rescue — mobilized both rescuers and equipment. Employing plywood to fortify the surroundings, rescuers meticulously hand-dug around the trapped horse. Over the next five and a half hours, their unwavering determination prevailed as they persistently excavated, refusing to yield.
Spectators gazed in amazement as the horse gradually grasped the newfound freedom.
“Everyone was relieved the horse was finally free and doing well,” Hardy said. “It took the horse about an hour to regain strength [and] move on its own again. You could tell the horse was relieved as well.”
“The horse received a soothing bath and underwent a thorough evaluation for injuries by a veterinarian. Now back home, this horse is undoubtedly overjoyed to regain its mobility.”
“The horse is doing well, according to the owners,” Hardy said. “She is back to her normal self.”