Pony trapped in watery ditch hoisted to safety by firefighters

May 28 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Britain used heavy equipment to hoist a 24-year-old pony that became stuck in a water-filled ditch.

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Totton and Redbridge were summoned to the ditch in Cadnam after the pony, named Hector, became stuck and his owner, identified only as Sarah, called authorities.

Hector was sedated by a veterinarian and firefighters then hoisted the small horse using a specialist rescue vehicle.

"Hector was sedated to reduce his anxiety as the lifting strops were applied and then anesthetized whilst being lifted out of the watery ditch," said Jim Green, HIWFRS animal rescue adviser. "This was a particularly technical rescue with a number of obstacles to overcome. It demonstrates the benefit of years of investment in knowledge and skills for these incidents."