Fire crews thanked for hay-mazing horse rescue

Fire crews have been thanked for their hay-mazing efforts to help rescue a horse which had become trapped in mud.

The 31-year-old horse, named Boswell, was found in the fields near Gunstone Hall, Codsall, on Thursday 23 January, physically exhausted, with the arthritis in his rear hips preventing him from standing.

Our animal rescue team from Cannock attended and slowly assisted Boswell back to his feet after an assessment from a vet.

Following the rescue, the horse's owner, Vicky Bennett, said of the crew’s work: "What you did from start to finish was amazing.

“The time you spent explaining what was going to happen and what your team would try and do for us, really reassured me that you would do your best for us.

"It helped me more than you will ever know."

Watch Manager Jason Maudsley of Cannock, who assisted in the rescue, said: "Despite the difficulties we all faced there was only one plan on our mind and that was to ensure the horse was up and standing as soon as possible.

"I'm glad we all achieved it.

"I'm sure he's nice and warm in the stables, munching on hay telling all the other horses about his ordeal!"

Boswell's owner said he is now back to his normal self and even shared some recent photos of him to thank our fire crews for all their help.

"Any time your team want pony cuddles you are more than welcome to pop over, he is being spoiled by everyone," Vicky added.

To find out more about what we do, visit: What we do | Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service.