Horse rescued from ditch in Totton after specialist teams called
Ghara the horse saved by firefighters and animal rescue teams
A 20-year-old horse named Ghara was successfully rescued after becoming trapped upside down in a ditch in Totton.
On-call firefighters from Totton responded at around 2pm yesterday afternoon, supported by specialist animal rescue teams from Lyndhurst and Winchester.
Complex rescue operation
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Animal Tactical Advisor Jim Green described the challenging rescue:
“This was a challenging rescue due to Ghara being a large horse and trapped in a restricted environment.
“We had the equipment and skills to adapt our plans which proved necessary, as Ghara fought the drugs required to calm her sufficiently in order to lift her with machinery.
“The digger, initially brought in to lift her gently over the bank, was then used to dig away the ditch on the opposite side and we slid her out manually using strops.
“Once up on her feet, Ghara was led slowly back to a farm for a further check-up by the vet.
“I’d like to thank everyone, who worked so hard into the evening to bring about a successful outcome, including the vets and a local agricultural contractor who offered their services.”
Recovery and outcome
Following her ordeal, Ghara appeared unharmed the next day, according to her owner, who shared a photo showing her recovering calmly.
The successful rescue highlighted the expertise and dedication of the firefighters, animal rescue teams, and the local community who responded swiftly to save her.