A horse has unfortunately had to be put down this afternoon (Wednesday) after it fell into a ditch near Freshwater.
Following a two-hour rescue operation by the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, a vet took the tough decision to put down the 22-year-old animal after it collapsed into a ditch at Hill Farm Riding Stables shortly before 13:00.
It is believed the animal suffered a stroke.
Firefighters from Freshwater and Newport undertook the task of pulling the horse free with the assistance of the Animal Rescue Unit from Newport Fire Station.
