A harrowing ordeal turned into a heartwarming display of community spirit in Lebanon, Connecticut this past Saturday. Nearly 40 people, a blend of trained professionals and concerned citizens, joined forces in a remarkable five-hour rescue mission for two horses trapped in a swampy area.
The drama began around 2:00 pm, when firefighters from the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department received a frantic call about the stranded horses. Rushing to the scene, crews found a disheartening sight – two horses, submerged up to their shoulders in thick, sucking mud, located deep within the woods, roughly three-quarters of a mile from the access point. Exhausted and struggling, the horses were in a precarious situation.
Knowing the urgency, firefighters immediately activated the Durham Animal Response Team. Additional fire department resources were mobilized, bringing in a fleet of vehicles specifically chosen for the terrain. A tough UTV navigated the rough trails, while a farm truck hauled essential supplies. An unlikely, but crucial, addition was a heavy-duty military truck, its size and power perfect for shuttling the numerous volunteers and their equipment to the rescue site.
The true heroes of this story, however, extended far beyond firefighters and animal control. The call for help resonated with the community, and nearly 40 concerned citizens answered with an outpouring of support. This dedicated group arrived with an arsenal of supplies specifically chosen for the rescue. Strong ropes, sturdy wood planks, and powerful saws were crucial for clearing a path through the dense undergrowth. Plywood sheets were essential for constructing a makeshift bridge across a treacherous mud pit, providing a stable platform for the horses to be extracted. Specialized rescue equipment, designed to gently lift large animals, was readied. But the kindness extended further – some volunteers brought veterinary supplies to ensure the horses’ well-being throughout the ordeal, while others thoughtfully brought food and water to keep the animals calm and hydrated.
The rescue effort was a testament to teamwork and on-the-fly ingenuity. Working tirelessly for hours, the group first tackled the dense woods. Using the saws and gathered wood, they cleared a path wide enough for the volunteers and equipment to reach the trapped horses. Next came the bridge construction – a crucial step to ensure the horses wouldn’t be forced back into the mud during their extraction. Working together, volunteers used the wood planks and plywood sheets to create a sturdy bridge spanning the mud pit.
With the path cleared and the bridge constructed, the focus shifted to the horses themselves. The rescue team, using the specialized equipment and the strong ropes, carefully maneuvered the horses out of the mud. The process was slow and deliberate, prioritizing the safety of both the animals and the rescuers. Once free from the mud’s grip, they were gently lowered onto a specially designed sled. This sled, pulled across the makeshift bridge by a team of volunteers, provided safe passage back to solid ground.
The first extrication started at 1625 and was complete at 1656.
The 2nd extrication started at 1715 and was complete at 1748.
A vet from Fenton River Vets arrived and assessed both horses on scene. Both were in mild distress and one had been stuck in the mud and water for over 7 hours.
At 1821 both horses had been warmed up enough to stand and we are happy to report both got up without issue and were happily eating some fresh hay.
1852 All Rescue Personnel out of the woods – No injuries reported.
Thankfully, the ordeal did not result in any serious injuries to the horses. A veterinarian on the scene evaluated them and gave them a clean bill of health, much to the relief of everyone involved. Exhausted but elated, the rescuers watched as the horses, a little wobbly but safe, were led back to their stable.
This incredible story highlights the power of community spirit and the unwavering bond between humans and animals. The dedication and swift action of firefighters, animal welfare professionals, and concerned citizens ensured a happy ending for these two horses.
(Photos and details via Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department on Facebook)
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