07/16/2026
Callout #54 for 2026. July 15, Received a call from Maryland Natural Resource Police Sargent, they had received a call from Cecil County 911 center for a horse down in a creek 1/2 mile in the woods off narrow gravel road in Chesapeake City. They replied, we do wildlife! The Sargent knew of the Fair Hill Emergency Response Team as I had worked with him when a ranger at Fair Hill. Told him 911 should alert Chesapeake City Fire Department as we had trained 6 of their members in March 2026.
Chesapeake City Fire Department responded, chief contacted us for assistance. While on the phone to him, horse owner called requesting help. The rider had allowed horse to step into a tidal water source with heavy mud banks to cool off in the heat No phone service in the area but the person on site could receive text. They sent the following picture.
Texted back to STOP PULLING ON THE HEAD and place support under the neck and head to keep out of water.
ETA for us was 30 min. Fireman on scene were successful in pulling the horse from the mud and water with proper strap placement.
Vet treated horse, allowed it to rest, horse stood up on its own power.
Arrived on scene, made contact with fire chief, he sent ATV to transport me to the scene deep in the woods. We met the horse walking out. So I really did nothing!
Chief and firemen thanked us for the training they had received in March said it was easier pulling the 800 lb mannequinn than the 1200 lb horse but the straps really worked!
We encourage all horse owners and first responders to get training in Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue.
