Firefighters rescue exhausted horse from deep ditch in Zevekote

Firefighters successfully rescued an exhausted horse from a deep ditch in Zevekote, near Gistel, Belgium. The animal had apparently been trapped in the ditch, situated between a pasture and a potato field, since the previous evening. It was found completely depleted and severely dehydrated under the intense sun.

A farm worker tending to a potato field along Haelinckstraat first spotted the horse early in the morning. The animal appeared motionless, leading the worker to believe it might be deceased. However, upon closer inspection by rider Maxine Catrysse, 26, who was alerted by the farm worker's boss, it was discovered the horse was still alive and managed to lift its head. Catrysse immediately provided the horse with water and called the fire department.

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We thought at first that the horse was dead, because the man in the field saw the horse not moving anymore. When I got there, I immediately jumped into the ditch and noticed that the horse lifted its head. Then I immediately called the fire department. I had brought a few bottles of water with me and immediately gave the animal something to drink. It didn't look good at all. And I also didn't know if the animal had broken a leg.

Fire crews from Gistel and Ostend arrived at the scene. Lieutenant Francis Vermote explained that they used straps to secure the horse, preparing to lift it with a crane arm from their rescue vehicle. To keep the animal calm, a shade cloth was placed over its head and kept wet. A veterinarian was also called to the location.

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We could attach straps to the horse as best as possible to lift it with the crane arm of our rescue vehicle. Meanwhile, a shade cloth was also placed on the horse's head and made wet, so that it could remain calm. We also asked a veterinarian to come to the scene.

Veterinarian Michiel Cattrysse administered a sedative before the horse was carefully hoisted out of the deep ditch. The rescue proceeded more quickly than anticipated. Once freed, the horse was able to stand on its own, albeit unsteadily. The veterinarian confirmed that the horse had not broken any legs, though it sustained some superficial injuries and swelling on its face. Based on the signs, it was estimated the horse had been struggling in the ditch since the previous night.

Both rider Maxine Catrysse and veterinarian Michiel Cattrysse expressed relief at the positive outcome. The veterinarian anticipates the horse will not suffer lasting injuries but will require about a week to recover from the stiffness caused by prolonged immobility. The exhaustion and dehydration from the heat are also expected to be resolved with proper care.

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We were especially afraid that it had broken a leg. But that was not the case. The animal has some superficial wounds and swelling on its face. Judging by the marks, it had probably been struggling here since last night.