If you’ve ever driven your horsebox under a low bridge with your breath held and fingers crossed, an incident over the weekend might make you more cautious in the future.
Sedated
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue had to be called out when a horsebox got stuck under a bridge in Newport Pagnell (9 August). Thames Valley Police also attended the scene to close the road.
The horse called Clara was trapped in the damaged horsebox and had to be sedated by a vet before the firefighters could cut her free. This involvedstabilising the vehicle with blocks, wedges and lines before using hydraulic cutting gear to open the lorry up and let Clara out.
Expensive mistake
Thankfully she wasn’t injured, but it was an expensive mistake for the driver who ended up with a cabriolet lorry.
According to Fraser Pearson from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue despite the damage caused Clara’s owner was relieved her horse escaped unscathed.
Cautionary tale
“We received a really nice message from her thanking the firefighters from Newport Pagnell Fire Station and station commander Tim Parkins for all their work,” said Fraser. “We really appreciated the message and would like to thank her for sending it.”
To avoid the same thing happening to you it is vital you know the height of your horsebox. And make sure you keep a visible note of it in the cab for quick reference.