Cumbria Fire and Rescue mobilised to rescue horse in the River Eden at Appleby
A specialist water rescue team from Cumbria Fire and Rescue mobilised yesterday afternoon (6 June) to rescue a horse that had got into trouble at Appleby Horse Fair.
The incident occurred at around 3.45pm when a horse got free from its rider whilst being washed in the river.
The horse headed against the current, with members of the public attempting to help bring it back to safety.
The RSPCA team at the river ramp alerted the Fire Brigade after seeing the incident begin to unfold.
The specially trained Fire and Rescue crew responded at the bowling green, where they were able to bring the horse under control and guide it safely up the riverbank, where it was then checked over by the RSPCA.
Station Manager Pete Kavanagh of Cumbria Fire and Rescue said: “Our team of specialists did an outstanding job, acting quickly and decisively to rescue the horse when it got into difficulty.
“This was an incident which required speed of deployment so really highlighted the benefit of having the team based in Appleby for the event.
“A thank you to partners for their support during the incident and, of course, to the team themselves who were able to resolve what was becoming a concerning situation.”
The RSPCA's water rescue officers were on the riverbank offering advice and staff from Bransby Horses and Blue Cross were on hand to assist with horse handling once she was on dry land.
RSPCA inspector Lyndsey Taylor said: "The fire and rescue team did a brilliant job at getting this horse out of the water, digging a ramp out of the river bank and leading her to safety.
"We're always so grateful for their assistance with animals who have gotten into difficult situations like this.
"The horse was checked over by one of the Appleby Horse Project's vets, who attends the Fair as part of the animal welfare team from private practice, and the rider was given advice.
"Fortunately, although stressed and cold the horse was okay thanks to all of those involved."