A young pony has been rescued in Denham after it was seen struggling in deep bog.
The animal, which was saved by the RSPCA, also needed help from a nearby fire engine after the colt was in mud so deep that it had reached its stomach.
The RSPCA had been aware of a group of ponies that were kept close to A40 near Denham after concerns were raised for their welfare.
On visiting to check on the animals earlier this month, RSPCA rescuers discovered the young colt stuck in a deep, muddy bog with barbed wire just a few feet behind him, unable to free himself.
Inspector Becky Timberlake said: “We’ve been checking on this group of ponies for a while to make sure they’re doing okay as we have yet to get to the bottom of who owns them.
“Unfortunately, during our checks last week, we found this lovely young colt completely stuck between a barbed wire fence and a drainage ditch that had become completely bogged down.
“There was no way he could have got out on his own, he must have been so anxious to be away from his herd.
The pony was rescued near Denham
“I called Claudia Corner, our Equine Welfare Operations Manager who came to the field to assess the situation.
“We knew we’d need the help of the fire service to help us move him - even a young pony still weighs a huge amount and if a horse panics they can be really dangerous to handle.
“Luckily, the London Fire Brigade were able to spare some time to come and help us to gently guide the colt through the mud and up the bank to safety.
“We couldn’t have done it without them and are always so grateful for their support in rescuing animals whenever they can.”
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Thankfully, the pony was not injured but was in poor body condition.
And following a visit to a vet who checked him over, they certified he was likely to suffer if he wasn’t helped further.
Not long after being placed into the care of the RSPCA, the animal was later transported to a specialist boarding stables.
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