GREENVILLE, Ind. – A horse stuck in mud created by a rapid deep snow melt was rescued by firefighters in southern Indiana.

On Feb. 16 the horse’s owners found it stuck in mud in what is usually a mostly dry pond on their property. The pond was holding more water than usual from more than one foot of snow which had fallen and which had then melted. 

The owners first contacted Floyd County Animal Control but they were not equipped to help the horse. A 911 dispatcher then contacted the Highland Fire Protection District to see if they could assist. 

HFPD Public Information Officer Ryan Houchen said upon arrival, the horse appeared exhausted after struggling to gain footing in the soft mud. 

Houchen said firefighters lacked the specific equipment needed to rescue a horse. Instead, they used a system of straps and ropes normally used on humans needing assistance. The straps and ropes were placed around the animal. Firefighters worked carefully and methodically pulling lightly on the ropes and straps. They did not want to pull too hard and injure or scare the horse. 

“You just don’t pull and tug on animals no matter what the size. You can severely injure them,” he said.

Houchen said firefighters are trained in using the system on people but were able to make it work successfully on the horse with help from their general understanding of large animals and the rescue techniques needed.

“We have people that have knowledge of some things.  It just helps,” he said.

It took about one hour to free the horse.

How long the horse had been stuck in the mud before firefighters arrived was not known. 

“Calls like this are a reminder that our job extends far beyond fire and EMS responses. From technical rescues to helping members of our community — both two-legged and four-legged — our firefighters train to be prepared for whatever situation arise,” said Floyds Knob Professional Firefighters 5426 in a post on Facebook.

The owners of the horse were so grateful they presented a photo of the horse, named Diva, to the firehouse with the words, “thank you my heroes.  I am forever grateful. Diva.”