In a true display of coordination and quick response, a horse stuck in a pond at McHenry's Hickory Creek Farm was safely freed thanks to local fire crews. The incident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon, saw the McHenry Township Fire Protection District called to a farm on McCullom Lake Road after the equine adventurer wandered some 20 to 30 feet offshore and into a precarious situation.
Responders arrived on the scene to find the horse mired in mud, unable to extricate itself. To facilitate the rescue, firefighters implemented a sling and rope system, anchored by a skid steer, to maneuver the animal out of the muck. The operation, while delicate, was executed without injury to the horse. “Using a sling and rope system attached to a skid steer, responders were able to safely pull the animal from the water,” detailed officials in a statement obtained by FOX32 Chicago.
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District had been summoned to 4401 West McCullom Lake Road following a citizen assist call from Hickory Creek Farm. As reported by Lake and McHenry County Scanner, the fire crew promptly responded at around 12:58 p.m.
With additional firefighters on the scene to bolster their efforts, the team meticulously used their equipment to lift the horse from its muddy trap. Their efforts were applauded by fire officials who credited “the coordinated efforts of all crews on scene,” for the successful resolution to what could have been a tragic ordeal.
