Fire crews help lift horse

MORE than 10 firefighters had to use straps and a make-shift winch system to lift up a horse that had collapsed and was unable to get back to her feet.

MORE than 10 firefighters had to use straps and a make-shift winch system to lift up a horse that had collapsed and was unable to get back to her feet.

The 27-year-old large white mare fell down in her stable at the Elm Todd Delivery Yard, Common Road, Great Holland, around 11.45am today.

A crew from Colchester and two from Clacton were called to the scene and at first struggled to lift the animal back on its feet.

However after creating an improvised winch system the horse was safely put back on her feet so that she could be inspected by a vet.

Sub officer Adrian Wallace, who was in charge of the operation said: “The horse was huge and we simply couldn't lift it - there were 12 firefighters with straps but the horse was so heavy, we couldn't shift her.

“In the end we had to improvise and rigged up a line and block and using the straps, a line across a telegraph pole nearby and the block to steady things, we eventually managed to hoist the animal to its feet. We then used piles of hay as a bolster around her to keep her on her feet.

“The vet was concerned that once the straps came off, the animal might keel over again, so we left the contraption in place while the animal was given medical treatment and went back just after 3pm to release the straps.

“We were all relieved that the horse stayed on her feet and went off for a quick trot around the yard as soon as the straps came off.”