Local firefighters rescued a horse from a water-filled pit last week.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers responded to a call for rescue from a Moolap address on Monday, March 10.
When they arrived, they discovered a 380kg horse trapped in a deep mechanical pit.
The pit, inside a shed which the horse had managed to access, was filled nearly to the top with water.
CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria crews on the scene began by draining the water, then attempted to guide the horse up a wooden ramp. However, the tight confines of the pit meant the ramp was too steep for the horse to walk up.
The CFA’s Large Animal Rescue unit based at Arthurs Creek, one of only two Victorian CFA brigades that specialises in rescuing larger animals, was subsequently called to assist.
The horse was eventually rescued after firefighters built an earth ramp by which the horse could escape the pit.
After the four hour rescue was completed the animal was stressed but deemed healthy.
Commander Gavin Fitzgerald said the incident showed the wide range of skills CFA volunteers have.
“This incident highlights that while yes we are firefighters, we are really problem solvers,” he said.
“We are faced with situations, and we have to work out the best way to handle them. There were mostly young people out on this job too and they all did a great job.”
