Rescue teams came together at the weekend to save a stricken horse from a boggy field near Brecon.

At around 12 midday on Sunday (July 14) a Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crew from Brecon Fire Station and the Animal Rescue Team from Pontardawe Fire Station were called to an incident in Libanus.

Following a report of a horse that become stuck in a boggy patch of a field, crews responded to a 20-year-old horse, measuring approximately 17 hands, that was stuck in around four feet of mud.

The Animal Rescue Team and Brecon crew formulated a rescue plan and worked together to successfully release the horse. One of the main issues to overcome during the rescue was that one of the horse’s rear legs was stuck by suction deep in the bog and the horse had become exhausted trying to free itself. 

Crews successfully rescued the horse by using salvage sheets, one slide mat, strops and shovels.  The horse was then put in the care of its owner and veterinarians who were also in attendance. 

Crews left the scene at 2:10pm.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service currently has specialist Animal Rescue Teams based at Pontardawe, Carmarthen, Machynlleth and Rhayader Fire Stations, who use a variety of specialist animal rescue equipment.

Brecon and Pontardawe are On-Call Fire Stations, which means their firefighters get notified of an emergency call via a personal pager, which they carry with them when they are on duty.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting On-Call Firefighters at all of their On-Call Fire Stations.

The role of an On-Call Firefighter provides many opportunities for personal and professional development, through training, teamwork, leadership and problem solving.  On-Call Firefighters receive payment for their services, including retainer fees and call-out payments, supplementing their income from other employment.

You can find out more on how to become and On-Call Firefighter online at: www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/on-call-firefighter-recruitment/