A cob mare, found up to her neck in water, has been saved from drowning in the ‘nick of time’.
Struggling
The horse was struggling in deep water at Alberta Caravan Park in Seasalter, Whitstable on Saturday 20 September. She was too weak climb up the steep bank so a member of the public alerted the local fire service.
Several officers from Kent Fire and Rescue’s animal rescue unit attended along with two RSPCA staff. Two officers went into the water to put a harness over the mare.They then pulled her out and up the slope to safety, while RSPCA inspector Caz Doe held her head above water as she was so weak.
Happy ending
“I was very relieved there was a happy ending to this one,” said Caz. “I think we may have been just in the nick of time.
“It didn’t look good when we arrived and to be honest, I didn’t think the horse would make it.”
It is unknown how the mare fell into the water, but it is thought she had been trapped there for at least a couple of hours as she was “absolutely exhausted”.
Good condition
“When she was finally on dry ground, I was amazed to find she stood up,” said Caz. “I had half expected her to collapse from the cold and shock. I put it down to her being in such good condition – she had fat reserves to give her energy to keep her going when other horses just wouldn’t have made it.
The owner of the cob was tracked down, who took the horse to the vet for a precautionary check up.