ASHBY — Fire Chief Mike Bussell and Police Chief Fred Alden report that first responders from the Town of Ashby successfully assisted in rescuing a horse that had slipped and fallen down an icy hill on Tuesday afternoon.
Rescuers responded to 1315 Richardson Road at 5:30 p.m. for a report of a fallen horse. Out of an abundance of caution, the Ashby Fire Department requested the assistance of the District 8 Technical Rescue Team, which has experience in large animal rescue.
An on-scene assessment determined that the adult horse on a hillside paddock had taken a fall when the animal slipped on the icy ground. Chief Bussell estimated that the horse fell down a 25-foot slope and came to a rest on its side, where it was when firefighters got to the scene.
Firefighters and a local veterinarian who also responded to the scene were able to successfully lift the horse back onto his feet and lead it back into its barn. The horse was being evaluated by the veterinarian on Tuesday evening but at last check was expected to have no lasting effects from its ordeal.
“When a large animal takes a fall, it can be a very serious situation. Thankfully, we were able to get the horse back on its feet safely,” Chief Bussell said. “A great job by the firefighters and veterinarian on scene.”
The Pepperell Fire Department also assisted at the scene.
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