Horse rescued after getting stuck neck-deep in mud

FIREFIGHTERS became heroes to Zero the horse when they rescued him from being stuck up to his neck in mud at Blashford, near Ringwood.

Members of both Hampshire and Dorset services teamed up to free him after reports the 12-year-old gelding was in difficulty on land off the A338 Salisbury Road around 12.50pm last Thursday.

The animal was sedated by a vet from Barn Equine Surgery in Three Legged Cross before the team set to work, including crews from Ringwood, Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst and Fordingbridge.

Special rescue platforms were put down on the surrounding area, and straps were attached to Zero. The horse was eventually pulled out of the mud with the aid of a crane.

The operation took about two-and-a-half hours, after which the 16-hand horse was left in the care of its owner and the vet.