Seeing people go out of their way to save animals in need is always inspiring.
Two Clydesdales became helplessly trapped in icy water before a team of local firefighters rescued them.
The two horses, Gunther and Wilhelm, escaped their farm near Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in February 2019. They fell through some ice into the icy water after wandering on some ice.
In order to rescue the Clydesdales, the local fire department was called, but carrying them out of the water proved challenging.
Chief Leon Clapper of Blue Ridge Hook & Ladder Fire Company told WNEP they could not be picked up, put on ice, and slid out on a boat.
A solution was soon found to get the horses to safety. In order to save the horses, they built a trench in the ice using chainsaws.
When the Clydesdales reached land, veterinarians dried them off. According to neighbors who observed the scene, the horses were shaking from the cold.
“He was shaking and shaking and shaking, and his legs were just frozen, so they were bending his legs, moving them,” recalled neighbor Arlene Reading.
There has never been anything like this in 54 years. There has never been a lost animal or human in the lake before.”
After returning home, everyone at Quiet Valley Farms was extremely relieved to have the horses back, and they have been recovering steadily since then.
The rescue was fantastic in many ways. There were blankets, heaters, and even a boat brought out by the entire town to help.
“With the dedication of Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder, Stroud Township Fire Company, Shawnee Fire Company, Wind Gap Fire Company, Northeast Search and Rescue, Portland PA Fire Company, Cross River Veterinarians, Quiet Valley Staff and Volunteers, and countless neighbors lending boats and towels the horses were rescued,” posted the farm.
They’re good, strong horses, bless their hearts. Deborah DiPasquale from the farm told WNEP that was definitely in their favor.
“It was good to see they both had good appetites and were on their feet. It’s always a good sign when a horse does that.”
The horses have continued to receive proper veterinary care, as indicated by Facebook updates. They’ll both be back on their feet soon, but the farm will keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get into trouble again.
“They will be grounded for the foreseeable future: no after-hours romps, girlfriends, cell phones, etc,” the farm joked.
