A Shetland Pony has been rescued after falling into a hole on the South Coast.
‘Teddy’ the miniature pony fell into a 1.5 metre deep post hole, on a rural property in Bodalla before the owner raised the alarm.
“The owner called triple zero and said I don’t know who can help me but I need help.”
The Bodalla RFS, Moruya Fire and Rescue and a local animal rescue veterinarian answered the call for help.
“The lovely land-owner had unfortunately put some post holes in to build a retaining wall this weekend and the poor little pony had accidentally slipped and fallen down into the hole,” said James Blakeney from Moruya Fire and Rescue.
When the rescuers arrived, they could barely see the pony and could only see Teddy’s head and front legs once they got to work.
It was a first for all of the firefighters involved who helped keep ‘Teddy’ calm while they dug an escape route for him.
“Digging a hole was our best idea, to dig down next to the horse to free him up,” Blakeney said.
“We had protective barriers against the horse, so we couldn’t inflict any harm on him, and we were able to tunnel down next to him, using shovels, until we were finally able to free him,” he said.
The firefighters were concerned Teddy’s hind-quarters may have been injured, as he fell down the hole with his back legs first.
“We were concerned but he was fine,” Blakeney said.
“When he came out, he was straight on his feet, happy, grazing and perfect which we were very happy to find.”
“The vet checked him over and was blown away that he was just able to walk out of there unscathed and the homeowner wa just so thrilled that he was unharmed, she felt absolutely terrible.”
Images: Moruya Fire and Rescue
