Rescuers have worked for more than three hours to rescue a horse stuck up to his neck in mud from a dam bed in Riverstone.
Moose the 15hh gelding had wandered onto the dry bed of the dam and become stuck in the middle, sinking into the mud up to his head, on January 26.
Fire and Rescue NSW duty commander for western Sydney, Inspector Kernin Lambert, said Moose’s owners had tried unsuccessfully to dig him out for about an hour when emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 6pm.
“At this time, Moose had been trapped for approximately two hours,” Inspector Lambert said.
Firefighters from Riverstone and Blacktown rescue responded, and requested the attendance of Hawkesbury SES Rescue who have specialised horse rescue equipment.
Dr Jenny Watts of Agnes Banks Equine Clinic was called to the scene to sedate Moose while the rescue was planned and provide veterinary care throughout the rescue.
Firefighters gained access to the trapped horse and were then able to assess the situation, and a haul party consisting of 12 firefighters and SES members began to slowly pull the rescue ropes attached to the harness around Moose.
“Midway through this operation, Dr Watts observed Moose’s front left leg appeared to be stuck and the rescue was temporarily halted while firefighters used a rope to unfold and straighten Moose’s leg. The rescue then continued and a few moments later, Moose was free from the mud,” Inspt Lambert said.
The operation took about three hours to complete in very hot and humid conditions, and Inspector Lambert praised the efforts of the emergency services.
