Rescue crews save 36-year-old horse after fall in Montgomery County pasture
Emergency responders rescued a horse that had fallen and was unable to stand last week in Whitpain Township, Montgomery County Department of Public Safety officials said.
Just after 5 p.m. on March 5, a group of nearly 20 people from an Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team were dispatched to assist the Centre Square Fire Company with a large animal rescue involving a 36-year-old horse named Red. The horse had fallen in a pasture and could not get back on his feet.
Source: Montgomery County Department of Public Safety
“Our US&R Chief collaborated with Centre Square officers and a veterinarian to develop a rescue plan,” officials wrote. “Given Red’s age, the duration he had been down, and the ground temperature, it was determined that waiting for a Becker Sling was not an option.” A Becker Sling is a specialized rescue harness used to lift large animals, especially horses, when they are injured, stuck, or unable to stand.
Rescue specialists instead dug beneath the horse so heavy-rigging crews could position a sling system and carefully lift Red into a vertical position. With guidance from a veterinarian, the horse was then lowered back onto his hooves.
Source: Montgomery County Department of Public Safety
The operation took less than 90 minutes after the US&R team arrived and involved more than 30 personnel, including assistance from Whitpain Township Public Works, which provided a front-end loader.
Officials said Red was successfully returned to his stall and is recovering safely.
Responders noted that while large animal rescues are not always common for US&R teams, several members are certified in animal rescue, with more currently completing specialized training for animal-related emergencies.
