Warrenton Firefighters rescued two horses that fell through the ice of a lake Thursday. It happened just two days after the crews practiced for ice rescues in their new protective suits.
There seems no doubt that Meadow is glad to be back on dry land and so is Meadow’s partner Zihna. Both horses escaped a life threatening situation after falling through thin ice in Warren County. Their owner Tina Churchill had trouble watching the ordeal. Churchill said, “It was gut wrenching. I was horrified. It was a piece of my heart when you raise these babies. We bred the mares. I saw them born.”
Her husband called Warrenton firefighters for help. Instead of a 200 pound human, they would use their skills to bring two half ton horses to safety, it was dangerous. Fire Chief Michael Owenby said, “They were struggling. They were having a difficult time. We knew we needed to get them out as quick as possible.”
Firefighters used a chainsaw to cut a path so the horses could get out. Finally, after an hour they were freed from their icy prison. Chief Owenby said, “It feels really good to go out and this and get them out of there and know they’re going to be okay.” Churchill saluted firefighters, “They’re my heroes. They came to the rescue and were here in a heartbeat and jumped right in a situation they weren’t necessarily required to do and saved the day and saved these horses.”
The horses are very special, they are used in therapy for young people who battle mental health problems. Both Meadow and Zihna suffered some cuts to their legs but other than that they are okay.
They’ve probably learned their lesson about walking on thin ice. There is a lesson for humans too. Matt Dabbs is a Warrenton Firefighter. He said, “If your animal falls through do not try to rescue it yourself you’ll be risking your own life.”
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There seems no doubt that Meadow is glad to be back on dry land and so is Meadow’s partner Zihna. Both horses escaped a life threatening situation after falling through thin ice in Warren County. Their owner Tina Churchill had trouble watching the ordeal. Churchill said, “It was gut wrenching. I was horrified. It was a piece of my heart when you raise these babies. We bred the mares. I saw them born.”
Her husband called Warrenton firefighters for help. Instead of a 200 pound human, they would use their skills to bring two half ton horses to safety, it was dangerous. Fire Chief Michael Owenby said, “They were struggling. They were having a difficult time. We knew we needed to get them out as quick as possible.”
Firefighters used a chainsaw to cut a path so the horses could get out. Finally, after an hour they were freed from their icy prison. Chief Owenby said, “It feels really good to go out and this and get them out of there and know they’re going to be okay.” Churchill saluted firefighters, “They’re my heroes. They came to the rescue and were here in a heartbeat and jumped right in a situation they weren’t necessarily required to do and saved the day and saved these horses.”
The horses are very special, they are used in therapy for young people who battle mental health problems. Both Meadow and Zihna suffered some cuts to their legs but other than that they are okay.
They’ve probably learned their lesson about walking on thin ice. There is a lesson for humans too. Matt Dabbs is a Warrenton Firefighter. He said, “If your animal falls through do not try to rescue it yourself you’ll be risking your own life.”
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Very nice!
So glad the horses are o.k. and it's nice to see that some people actually care about animals.I would like to say "Thank You" and please stay safe the people and animals in your area need you.God Bless
Oh my goodness! Heart-wrenching! Thank the good Lord! Critters and Firefighters are out of the icy waters... Is there a follow up story? Were the horses ok after their ordeal? Was ell the Folks involved ok? These are Angles disguised as just special Folks! God bless them all! 2 legs and 4! <3
THANK YOU FROM THE HEART FIREFIGHTERS FROM WARRENTON, HOPE THE HORSE AND ALL YOU GUYS ARE OKAY. SUCH A WELL JOB DONE. AGAIN THANKS FROM MY HEART.
Thank you Warrenton firefighters for saving these precious horses...you went over and beyond the csll of duty, and you did it superbly.....stay safe and warm out there...people and other animals need you....
Awesome..Great job guys :)
A big thank you to the awesome firefighters who saved these horses!
These two precious horses for 'healing' children with special needs ... have had this special heroic rescue by two precious firefighters ! May all parties Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ! Blessings !
Allot of old farmers (that have ponds in their pastures) go down daily and chop holes in the ice so the horses/cows/livestock find that when they come down to where the pond was and they don't go walking around looking for water. Brave firemen, saved the horses lives for sure. Good work!
Sad Story With A Good Ending Thanks To The Brave Firefighters !
fence in dangerous places on your property
Great job guy's. ♥
Have wonderfull hollidays and blessings to you all.
Manuela Waanders-Giesen ( The Netherlands, Europe)
God bless them all. Thankfully the "blonde" made a last effort.
Real people, real heroes!
No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted. God bless the rescuers!
AWESOME JOB!!THESE MEN ARE HEROES!!!
To answer the questions above: Yes, both horses are fine. About five minutes after the second filly was on ground they were both in warm stalls with fresh pine shavings being towel dried. A vet was standing by and after a thorough exam proclaimed them both in excellent health. As for the part about why they were out on ice? They were not looking for water as there was a full stock tank nearby. This is the first time in seven years a horse went out on the ice and so there was no way to predict this would happen. In hindsight they should have never been let out in that pasture and there is no way they will get near that area unless there is no ice. Thanks to most of you for your kind words and again, a special thanks to the Warrenton firefighters for their heroic effort.