LACROSSE, Fla. — A video shows the intense moments a group of Florida first responders worked quickly to pull a drowning horse from a retention pond.
Alachua County Fire Rescue said it was called to assist Lacrosse Fire Rescue on April 9 in North Florida, about 15 miles north of Gainesville.
"When we arrived, we found a #horse drowning and exhausted in a retention pond," first responders wrote in a Facebook post.
After diving into the pond to hold the horse's head above water, first responders had to think quickly to come up with a plan to get the animal back on land.
The sheriff's office rural services department provided a 6-inch wide strap and a winch to create a makeshift harness for the animal.
"Watch the back leg, make sure that don't get hung up! Keep holding!" first responders can be heard shouting as they worked together to pull the horse out of the water using a forward assist technique.
While the horse was responsive, it stayed on the ground for a few moments before gaining the strength to stand up back.
"Attaboy! Attaboy!" a first responder yelled as the team helped the animal back on its feet and led it away from the pond.
"The horse was reunited with its owner, and appeared to have no injuries," the sheriff's office wrote.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says if you come across a domestic or feral animal, such as a dog, cat or horse that appears injured, please contact the nearest Humane Society, Animal Services Office or Animal Control Agency.
