When the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service control room was alerted to a horse stuck in flood water, the team leapt into action.
The fire service, which has had to deal with numerous cars in a similar predicament this week after recent heavy rain, prepared to investigate what could have been a life and death situation, ready to do whatever necessary to save the stricken horse.
And found it was a statue.
“North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has attended reports of a horse stuck in flood water near Ripon,” said group manager Bob Hoskins.
Picture by British Canoeing
“An officer trotted off to check out the situation and discovered a statue of a horse in the middle of the field. There was ‘neigh’ further assistance required on this occasion.”
The metal sculpture, of a First World War soldier leading his horse, stands on land, usually, owned by British Canoeing. It was installed in 2018 as part of a series of sculptures in the area called Fields of Mud, Seeds and Hope, to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the war. Ripon was the site of one of the largest military camps in the country.
The sculpture was left where it was, with no fear of harm to life or limb. Just possibly the minor risk of rust.
On a serious note…
If you see a horse that appears to be stranded in deep water, call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 with a time, date and location. If you own a horse who lives on ground at risk of flooding, call Floodline on 0845 9881188 for the latest flood warnings. It is recommended, if possible, that owners move their horses to higher ground if flooding is likely. Members of the public and horse owners are urged not to put their own lives in danger by attempting to rescue a horse from rising water. Doing so could result in added pressure on emergency services if the person is overcome by the rising water.
You might also be interested in:
RSPCA called out to investigate ‘cruelty’ to plastic horse
A number of people made calls to the charity's cruelty line when they saw the horse
Dramatic video shows horses being swum to safety in floods
The two colts became trapped after their field was submerged in water when the river Use burst its banks
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
