Mesa firefighters rescue horse that fell into canal during ride

PHOENIX — Rescuers with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department gave a whole new meaning to the phrase “hold your horses” over the weekend.

After a horse fell into a canal, firefighters worked to keep her head above water while they attempted to rescue her on Sunday night.

First responders said the horse fell into the water while trying to cross a metal grate bridge. Although her rider escaped, the bank was too steep for the horse to climb out.

Shortly after a battalion arrived to help her, the horse began heading further down the canal — which was dangerous, because the waters were deeper.

First responders used a lifeline and crossed the bridge to reach the other side of the canal. They threw the line to the owner, and together they kept the horse’s head above water, even as she grew tired and slipped under a few times.

Working as a team, the firefighters and the owner used the lifeline to guide the horse toward the shallowest part of the canal.

At this point, a four-person squad arrived and placed 6-inch lifting straps around the horse’s midsection.

The first try was a bust, but they struck gold the second time, successfully rescuing her. She was on the bank around 7:20 p.m.

Was the horse who fell into the Mesa canal OK?

After the ordeal — which involved a few near-drownings and took about an hour — the horse was exhausted.

First responders gave her high-flow oxygen. For nearly 25 minutes, she lay on her side, recovering. She was left with several lacerations due to thrashing by the metal grate at the bridge, according to the fire department.

Even after she was able to sit up, it took her another 15 minutes to regain her energy so she could stand and walk on her own.

Once she was safe, the owner and some of his friends snapped some celebratory photos to commemorate the teamwork that saved her life.

This was one of two large‑animal rescues from canals on Sunday. Earlier that day, Eloy firefighters pulled a donkey from a canal.

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