Oakham firefighters rescue horse stuck in swimming pool in Knossington

A horse which fell into a swimming pool was rescued by firefighters.

A large horse got stuck in a covered pool in Owston Road, Knossington after falling in this morning (Friday, March 3).

The owner called the emergency services and attempted to remove the pool cover to free the animal, which was on all four legs.

The clever, yet stressed horse, had moved himself to the shallow end of the swimming pool but could not get up the steps.

Martin Hugo, crew manager at Oakham Fire Station, said it was the first time he has been called to an animal stuck in a swimming pool.

Although just days ago he was called to a horse stuck near Tilton-on-the-Hill.

Martin said: "I'm not sure whether I'm just coming across lots of clumsy horses!"

A specialist animal rescue team from Southern station used farm machinery and a harness to lift the horse, who had been sedated by a vet, from the pool.

The fire crew also pumped out the water from the swimming pool for the animal's safety as there were concerns about hypothermia.

Once rescued the horse was checked over by a vet before returning to its stables.

Martin thanked his crew and the specialist animal rescue team for their work in the rescue.

It is believed the horse escaped from his stable on the property and walked over the pool cover thinking it was solid ground.