The Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department responded to a horse rescue on Friday.  Around 5:45 p.m., a horse and rider were on a leisurely ride along Norris Peak Road at the edge of the fire district when the horse unexpectedly lost its footing. The animal fell and rolled onto its back into a narrow watercourse alongside the road. The steep sides of the ditch prevented the horse from maneuvering its legs underneath itself to stand back up.

The rider was not pinned during the fall and was able to free himself to call for emergency assistance.

According to a statement released by the department, the unusual call tested the volunteers’ problem-solving skills, as equine extrication is not a standard training procedure. After evaluating the situation, responders devised a plan using straps and a winch to carefully slide the horse into a new position that afforded it enough room to stand.

The owner stayed with the animal to keep it calm throughout the cautious rescue. Not wanting to cause the horse any further stress or risk, firefighters cleared a path through the obstacles in the ditch, allowing the Paint horse to walk out under its own power.

The department noted they were thankful both the horse and rider were uninjured, as the agency is not equipped to transport an equine patient.