Horse unhurt in 20ft river fall

The Shire horse was uninjured but exhausted

A shire horse escaped unhurt after it fell 20ft (6m) into a river and had to be craned back to safety.

Harvey, a 1,870lb (850kg) gelding, fell down the steep bank and landed up to his stomach in running water in Tarrant Keyneston, Dorset, on Tuesday night.

The 16-year-old horse, which stands 18 hands (72in) tall, was too exhausted to be walked back up the bank.

Two animal rescue teams from Dorset and Hampshire Fire Services fitted a harness around him and lifted him out.

A veterinarian sedated Harvey before he was pulled out with the help of a crane.

The horse was checked over and walked away uninjured from the ordeal.

Anton Phillips, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service watch manager, said: "Animals in distress often cause people to rush in to help but this can easily lead to serious personal injury.

"Thankfully, we were able to swiftly resolve the incident, as the quick release mechanism worked extremely well, freeing the horse immediately."

Large animal rescues are one of the most dangerous missions faced by firefighters because the creatures can behave erratically when distressed, Mr Phillips said.