A pony was rescued from a well in Lake Elsinore on Friday after large rescue response from local agencies.
At about 2:52 p.m. Friday, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department got a call about a horse stuck in a well, according to authorities.
Riverside County Animal Control arrived at the scene and discovered a pony stuck in a 20-feet-deep roadside square well, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department’s PIO Captain John Clingingsmith Jr. He said five pieces of equipment and about 30 firefighters were in place to help get the animal out.
Prior to authorities’ arrival, the homeowner placed wood and lumber down in the well to help the animal stay afloat, according to Clingingsmith. It is unknown how much water is in the well.
“We can see the animal from the top. It is still moving. We have eyes on it,” Clingingsmith told freelance news videographer RVCNEWS.
The Riverside City Fire Department’s Heavy Animal Rescue Team was requested by authorities.
As for how the animal got stuck in the well, Clingingsmith said it appeared that there was an old weathered piece of plywood placed on top of the well that gave way when the animal was walking across it.
“My expectation is that a rescuer will have to get down into the well, secure the harness onto the horse to be able to attach it to the hoisting system to be able to pull it up,” said Clingingsmith.
About six hours into rescue operations, at around 9:30 p.m., an American Shetland pony was hoisted up to safety, according to Cal Fire.
“The pony was evaluated and treated on scene for lacerations to its head and legs. After treatment, the pony was released to its owner. A veterinarian will follow up on the pony in the morning,” said an update from the agency posted on X.
