Nicole Graham, a mother from Melbourne, Australia, recently went for a leisurely horse ride along the beach with her daughter. However, the afternoon quickly shifted from a relaxing outing to a living nightmare. Graham’s horse, an 18-year-old steed named Astro, ventured into unexpectedly treacherous mud and was followed by her daughter’s horse before she could warn them.
Graham was able to get herself, her daughter, and her daughter’s smaller horse free, but Astro remained stuck.
Graham spent 3 hours clinging to the horse as he continued to struggle.
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At over 1,000 lbs, attempts to free the horse before help arrived only resulted in both becoming more stuck.
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Once help arrived and she was freed again, Graham remained by Astro’s side, comforting him.
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They had to fight time to get the big guy out before the tide washed over him.
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Fire crews arrived, assisted by veterinarians and a nearby farmer, who loaned his tractor.
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Astro was sedated so he wouldn’t continue exhausting himself while they worked to free him.
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They tried several different types of equipment and even had a helicopter on standby. Nothing would budge in the mud.
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Fire lieutenant Roger Buckle said the mud was “like quicksand.”
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Everyone was anxious as the tide drew in nearer and nearer.
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Luck finally came with their combined efforts and Astro made his way out of the mire.
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The tractor really came in handy.
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Once he was 100% free, the poor guy collapsed in fatigue.
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After a much needed rest, everyone was cleaned up and able to make their way back home.
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The horse only suffered mild dehydration and will make a full recovery.
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(via Daily Mail.)
Graham, who runs an equine dentistry business, owns over 10 horses. She says she’s never had any issues like this arise over the 20 years she’s been a horse owner. I’m just glad it turned out well for Graham and Astro.
