A 17-hand horse has tragically died following a failed rescue attempt to free the animal from thick mud in a field on the outskirts of Ryde.
It was at around 18:00 yesterday evening (Saturday) that emergency services were alerted to the plight of the animal off Ashey Road, beside the steam railway line.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mobilised several crews to the scene. The Animal Rescue Unit from Newport, carrying specialist equipment, was rolled out and a hard-fought rescue operation began.
Firefighters made every possible effort to free the animal safely.
However, despite their best efforts, sadly the rescue was not successful.
The decision was taken by a responding vet to put the horse to sleep, to prevent any further distress and suffering to the animal.
The incident was stood down by 20:15, although activity continued at the scene into the night.
Very sad news.
I would have thought in such weather
conditions horses would be kept in a stable.
It’s sad news, but one spell of bad weather doesn’t mean horses should automatically be shut in a stable. Horses are routinely kept turned out year round, vets and welfare guidance actually warn against keeping them stabled constantly because it causes health and behavioural issues.
Ground conditions can change quickly after heavy rain and mud entrapment can happen even in well managed fields. The article mentions rescue crews and a vet on scene, not neglect.
A bad accident during bad weather isn’t the same thing as poor care.
That’s sad, why was the horse even out in this horrendous weather should have been in the stables surely??
My thoughts exactly, sounds like the horse was
sadly neglected by its owner.
Shouldn’t be allowed to own animals if one
doesn’t look after them.
I’m so sorry for the owners and all involved. I’m sure the fire crew and Vet tried their hardest but horses are fragile animals. The mud this Winter is horrendous but of course not all horses have stables or even use them. Some are native animals and prefer using a field shelter.
I am devastated poor horse.