READINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – Emergency crews rescued a horse that fell down an embankment in Readington Township on Sunday morning.
On Sept. 24, shortly after 7:30 a.m., Whitehouse Rescue Squad, Whitehouse Fire Company and Readington Volunteer Fire Company were alerted for a horse stuck in a ravine, according to a post on the Whitehouse Rescue Squad Facebook page.
The horse had fallen down a 6 foot embankment into a small stream and mud, officials said.
Heavy rescue arrived on scene and deemed more resources were necessary to remove the horse. The Hunterdon County Technical Rescue Task force was requested bringing in resources from South Branch Emergency Services, Inc. and Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad, the post said.
“Task force members worked together to remove the horse from the ravine using a bipod and grip hoists. The horse was sedated prior to moving to prevent it from kicking or thrashing,” the post said.
Once on level ground, the horse was moved to an open area where emergency equine veterinarians assessed the horse and began giving medications, authorities said.
“The horse was able to roll on its belly and was waiting to regain some strength before getting up. A Clydesdale friendly with the horse was brought over to aid in the encouragement of the horse to get up on all 4 legs,” the post said.
The horse was then left in the care of its owners and veterinarians, authorities said.
