DENVER (KDVR) — Loveland firefighters zipped up their ice rescue suits and carefully crossed a frozen pond to save a horse that had fallen through.
Late Thursday afternoon, firefighters with Loveland Fire Rescue Authority were called to a pond on South Country Road 13 for a large animal rescue.
In a Facebook post, the fire department said a horse managed to get through a fence and wandered onto the frozen pond. However, the horse’s weight was too much.
The large animal fell into the icy waters in the middle of the pond and was unable to get itself to shore.
Firefighters, equipped with ice rescue suits, broke a path in the ice using axes and sledgehammers. The department said the firefighters were able to get the horse out of the water and help walk it safely to shore.
Loveland Fire Rescue Authority said the horse was warming up and recovering as crews packed up to return to service.
The fire department also credited the Berthoud Fire Protection District, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Thompson Valley EMS and the city of Loveland for their assistance.
Fire officials remind animal owners to never try and go after a four-legged friend that has fallen through the ice. If the weight of the ice couldn’t hold them, it most likely won’t hold you. Instead, call 911 immediately.
