Nailsea horse rescued

Thursday 6 December 2007
14.23 Jacklands, Nailsea

A horse trapped in chilly water for more than two hours was rescued with the help of firefighters.

On arrival retained duty system crews from Nailsea and Clevedon found Billy, a 20-year-old horse, partially submerged in a water filled ditch around six feet deep.

Firefighters connected together hose reels to create a sling around animal, before trying to pull the horse from the water. Following several unsuccessful attempts to move an exhausted Billy a tractor belonging to a local man was brought into assist with the operation.

After a rescue lasting around one and a half hours the animal was successfully recovered from the ditch. Along with Billy's owners firefighters warmed up the animal using hay.

On the departure of the fire service Billy was on his feet, safely back in his stable.