Montgomery Country Fire and Rescue proved it's no one-trick pony after firefighters banded together Sunday to save a nearly 2000-pound horse who fell into a hole.
The horse was trapped up to its neck, and the rescue operation required more than a dozen people, a bulldozer and some muscle work — But the horse was eventually freed.
Rescuers went to a farm at 4700 Sandy Spring Road in Burtonsville after a call reporting the horse was stuck in a possible sinkhole. Crews responded and discovered that the horse had fallen into an underground cistern that collapsed.
Using a bulldozer, rescuers moved a massive amount of dirt to create a trench. The group then used shovels to dig more and large sheers to cut the remainder of the cistern.
Video shows the horse was blindfolded while heavy machinery was used.
Once dirt and debris were cleared away, rescuers coaxed the horse until it lept from the hole and walked up the newly-dug trench. The animal's fur was muddy, but the examining veterinarian said it is expected to be ok.
An animal rescue team from Frederick Country also ponied up assistance.
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Videos show several emergency vehicles at the farm, including ambulances and firetrucks.
