Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is attending an incident near Carisbrooke where a 23-year-old horse has fallen into a ditch this lunchtime (Tuesday).
Fire crews from Newport and Ryde are currently dealing with the large animal rescue off Whitecombe Road.
The 15.3 hands high mare is said to have become stuck.
The Land Rover Defender 4×4 from Ryde has been mobilised to assist with the incident, alongside the Animal Rescue Unit from Newport and 2 pumping appliances.
Froglands Lane is currently blocked by emergency vehicles.
UPDATE @ 13:40 – The animal has been successfully rescued from the ditch and is able to stand on its own 4 legs.
The mare is now in the care of its owners and vets.
Fire crews are standing down from the incident.
UPDATE @ 15:40 – Carl Halewood of HIWFRS has praised the ‘excellent and professional’ crews from Newport and Ryde, which resulted in a fantastically formulated plan with a successful outcome, equalling a happy horse and a happy owner.
Well done lads, and how nice in times of cut backs we can still help animals in need.
It must have been very afraid. Glad it is fine now thanks to these guys.
So great to hear a good happy ending well done all concerned
Happened to my friends horse years ago, very scarey experience for horse and owner, sending good wishes X
Well done to everyone involved in rescuing this senior horse. Thankyou.
So pleased this story has a happy ending. Well done to everyone involved.