Firefighters race to rescue two Clydesdale horses after they fall through ice

Witnessing people go above and beyond to help animals in need is always motivating.That is what occurred when two Clydesdales became hopelessly trapped in icy water prior to the arrival of a group of neighborhood firefighters.The two horses, Gunther and Wilhelm, escaped from their farm near Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in February 2019.The horses then got lost and fell through some ice into the chilly water.

The Clydesdales needed to be rescued, so the local fire department was called. However, the operation was challenging because there was no simple way to lift the massive animals out of the water.Chief Leon Clapper of the Blue Ridge Hook & Ladder Fire Company told WNEP that there was “no way” they could have been picked up, placed on the ice, and then slid onto a boat.

But the team quickly came up with a plan to get the horses to safety.They were able to walk the horses to safety by digging a trench in the ice using chainsaws.

Veterinary professionals were waiting to dry the Clydesdales off once they reached land.Neighbors who observed the scene said the horses were trembling from the cold.Neighbor Arlene Reading recalled, “He was just shaking and shaking and shaking, and his legs were just frozen so they were bending his legs, moving his legs.””This has never happened in 54 years.This is a first because neither a human nor an animal has ever gotten lost in the lake.

The horses then made their way back to Quiet Valley Farms, where everyone was ecstatic to see them again and where they have since been making a steady recovery.In many ways, the rescue was fantastic.The entire town showed up to lend a hand, bringing blankets, heaters, and even a boat.

The farm stated that the horses were saved thanks to the hard work of the following organizations: Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder, Stroud Township Fire Company, Shawnee Fire Company, Wind Gap Fire Company, Northeast Search and Rescue, Portland PA Fire Company, Cross River Veterinarians, Quiet Valley Staff and Volunteers, and countless neighbors lending boats and towels.”Good, strong horses, bless their hearts.That was unquestionably to their advantage, the farm’s Deborah DiPasquale told WNEP.

The horses then made their way back to Quiet Valley Farms, where everyone was ecstatic to see them again and where they have since been making a steady recovery.In many ways, the rescue was fantastic.In fact, the entire town turned out. “It was nice to see they had a good appetite and have them both on their feet,” said the town people.For a horse, that’s always a crucial indicator.

The horses have kept receiving appropriate veterinary care, per Facebook updates.The farm will watch out for them to avoid getting into any more trouble while they’re both getting back on their feet.The farm made fun of them, saying, “They are grounded for the foreseeable future: no after-hours romps, girlfriends, cell phones, etc.”