Rescue teams free horse stuck in river

The RSPCA joined forces with a water rescue team to free a horse submerged in a river in Barnsley.

Following a call from a concerned member of the public, the RSPCA and a water rescue unit from the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service attended the scene in Grimethorpe on 11 November.

A piebald mare cob was found to be stuck in a deep part of the River Dearne, unable to move. Described by RSPCA inspector John Gibson as being “up to her shoulders in water”, the rescuers helped pull the horse to safety.

Despite being wet and dirty, the mare was uninjured and in a good, stable condition. She returned to the other six horses in her herd and immediately settled back in.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the fire crew for helping rescue this mare from the water,” said inspector Gibson.

Anyone who spots an animal in danger is encouraged to call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.