LEBANON, Connecticut — Two horses were freed from mud in Lebanon by a group of around 40 rescuers Saturday, according to the the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department.
In a Facebook post from the LVFD, they said they received a call at 2 p.m. about the horses that were stuck and determined that a fire department response was needed after sending a crew to the area to assess the situation.
Frank Himmelstein, owner and operator of Himmelstein Homestead Farm in Lebanon, said the rescue took place on his property, which allows the rescue organization Stirrup Fun Stables Rescue, Inc. to pasture their animals on part of the farm.
The fire department said the horses had become stuck "up to their undersides" after wandering into a swampy area 3/4 of a mile into the woods on the property. To get them out, "close to 40" people were shuttled into the area, along with "ropes, wood, saws, plywood, rescue equipment, vet supplies, food and water."
The LVFD said their units had to clear a roadway as the area was not accessible for equipment and would need enough manpower to remove the horses from the woods.
The Durham Animal Rescue Team was called in and set up sled equipment for the horses to be placed on after being rolled out of the mud, which according to the LVFD "was waist deep for rescuers."
After the horses were placed on the sled, a plan was made to have all individuals pull the horses over a makeshift bridge that was constructed out of "logs, cribbing, plywood and signs and onto the ground," about 30 yards from the swamp, the LVFD said.
One horse was removed at 4:56 p.m., while the other was taken out at 5:48 p.m., according to the LVFD. The total rescue time was five hours.
Both horses were evaluated by a vet from Fenton River Veterinary Hospital and were found in "mild distress," with one of the horses having been in the mud and water for over seven hours, the LVFD said.
After warming up, the LVFD said the two horses were eventually able to stand and were given fresh hay to eat.
Those involved in the rescue included multiple units from the LVFD, along with the North Windham Fire Department, Stirrup Fun Stables Rescue, Inc., DART, the Fenton River Veterinary Hospital and the Montville/Salvation Army Canteen. More information on those involved in the efforts can be found in the post here.
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