Crews from Peaks Lane and Immingham were called to assist an elderly horse on Sunday 26 July after he became stuck in a muddy ditch in Ashby Cum Fenby.
Firefighters were on the scene at 14.16 hrs to reports of a horse trapped in a ditch. 29 year old Marvin had slipped down the steep bank and could not free himself. Struggling in the one foot of water only made matters worse, so the owner called 999.
Once at the scene, crews made room for specialist equipment to get into position and a plan was drawn up with the owner and local vet to safely rescue the animal. After sedating Marvin, the owner's JCB digger was used to shallow out the muddy bank and enable crews to get alongside Marvin and place strops around him safely. More earth was dug out from around his back legs to ease the extrication.
The HFRS Manitou was brought to the scene alongside the specialist Technical Rescue Unit. Marvin was finally moved up the slidesheets to safety at 16.41. The vet administered more drugs to bring him around and after a good wash he was safely back in his stable.
Station Manager Terry Taylor was delighted with the outcome:
"It was an excellent team effort by all concerned. Marvin was so caked in mud that I hadn't realised he was actually a grey! The vet had the safety of the horse in mind at all times, so we had to be patient when preparing the lift. The crews did a tremendous job and it was great to see Marvin cleaned up and back on his feet later in the afternoon."