Rescuers end up in a ‘tug of war’ to save massive horse from river

By Lauren Beavis via SWNS

This photo shows a line of 12 firefighters in a "tug of war" - pulling a massive horse from a river.

The dozen emergency crew members were pictured saving Doug the horse from the water.

Doug, a 15-year-old colt, managed to break through a fence and ended up getting trapped in a tributary of the River Stour in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, England.

Crews from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were sent out to rescue Doug and bring him home safely.

The crews, from Poole and Blandford fire stations, used animal rescue equipment and a sled to get Doug out of the water.

Thanks to their remarkable efforts, he was safely returned to his stables.

Poole Fire Station, who took to Facebook during the incident, said: "On Monday our technical rescue teams attended a horse rescue in Sturminster Newton along with a crew Blandford.

"Doug, who is a 15-year-old Colt, managed to break through a fence and ended up in a tributary of the River Stour.

"Crews used animal rescue equipment and a sled to get Doug out of the water and back to his field.

"Crews remained on scene to help get Doug back on his feet and after dark Doug was successfully returned to his stables - a little worse for wear - but we are glad to say he is doing OK."