An 18-year-old horse named Mr. Hank found himself in a terrifying situation on Wednesday morning in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Thanks to a dedicated rescue effort, Mr. Hank is expected to make a full recovery.
Horse Trapped in Cement Culvert
The incident occurred near 2252 I 1/4 Road in Grand Junction early Wednesday morning.
Mr. Hank, who had been grazing the evening before without issue, was discovered stuck in a narrow cement culvert.
His rear end was wedged tightly in the mud, making it impossible for him to move.
Firefighters were called to the scene just after 7 a.m. and found the horse partially submerged and visibly distressed.
The narrow opening of the culvert added to the challenge, as rescuers had to work carefully to ensure Mr. Hank wasn’t injured during the process.
Community Rallies to Rescue Horse
The rescue operation became a community-wide effort as neighbors and locals stepped up to help.
Firefighters from the Grand Junction Fire Department teamed up with the Lower Valley Fire District to plan and execute the tricky operation.
A local company provided a crane to lift Mr. Hank out of the culvert safely.
Before the lift, first responders placed a sturdy sling around the horse, ensuring his safety during the delicate procedure.
The collaborative effort showcased the strong community spirit of Grand Junction.
Veterinary Care Ensures Recovery
To minimize stress and injury, a veterinarian from Fruita was brought in to sedate Mr. Hank before the crane was used.
This sedation allowed the rescue team to work without the risk of the horse panicking or worsening his condition.
Although Mr. Hank was covered in mud and visibly shaken, initial assessments showed no serious injuries.
The veterinarian expects the horse to make a full recovery, much to the relief of his owners and the community who rallied to save him.
Thanks to swift action and teamwork, what could have been a tragic situation ended with Mr. Hank being safely returned to solid ground and on his way to recovery.
