Loveland Fire Rescue Authority and Berthoud Fire Protection District were called to Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch on Larimer County Road 31D on Sunday afternoon to rescue a horse that had fallen through the ice on a frozen pond. The ranch staff noticed something was wrong when another horse on the property seemed distressed, prompting them to call for help.
The horse had been submerged in icy water for approximately 45 minutes before the rescue teams arrived. Using rescue straps, the crews were able to secure the horse and lift it out of the water onto solid ground. The operation took about 15 minutes, as the exhausted horse was unable to help in its own rescue.
After being lifted out of the pond, the horse was warmed with heaters and blankets before being treated by a veterinarian at the ranch. This successful rescue comes just a month after a similar incident where LFRA rescued a horse from another pond in south Loveland.
Battalion Chief Jayson Starck explained that while large animal rescues are not uncommon for LFRA, rescuing animals from icy water adds an extra layer of difficulty. Without the ability to use a crane to lift the animals out of the water, the rescues become labor-intensive and dangerous due to the cold temperatures and hazards involved.
This latest rescue serves as a reminder of the dangers that come with winter conditions, and the importance of being prepared to respond to emergencies involving animals in distress. The quick and coordinated efforts of the rescue teams ensured the safe return of the horse to dry land, where it could receive the necessary care and attention.
