Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/draft-horse-bella-rescued-from-mud/

It was all-hands-on-deck in North Texas to save a Belgian draft horse trapped in thick mud.

Denton County Emergency Services District #1 received the call for help early Sunday morning and immediately responded along with Double Oak Volunteer Fire Department. Firefighters and rescuers arrived at a stock pond in Copper Canyon and found the draft horse named Bella on the bank stuck up to her belly in mud.

Belgian draft horses typically weigh between 2,100-2,300 pounds, so rescuers needed to clear the mud away from Bella so they could wrap straps around her to lift her out of the mud.

“Firefighters dug through the mud and created space underneath the horse to fit ropes to help get the animal out,” wrote Denton County Emergency Services District #1 on Facebook.

They used their hands, shovels, and a spade to dig the sludge away. One firefighter even went waste deep in the thick mud to help. All their hard work paid off as they were able to finally get Bella out of the mud with the help of a tractor.

Thankfully, a veterinarian was on site to monitor Bella and give her IV fluids, food, and water. She was comfortably resting in a photo shared on Facebook and will continued to be monitored.

Everyone involved is a hero and one fan wrote, “You never rest. Bless you!” Double Oak Volunteer Fire Department responded by saying, “We love helping our immediate (Double Oak) and surrounding communities. Plus, what better way to spend a Sunday morning than hugging a muddy horse!?”

Another person commented, “The poor horse must of been so exhausted. I love the canopy and hay table. Thank you to all that helped Bella.”

We wish Bella a speedy recovery.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog