06/09/2026
Yesterday was a busy day for Rhinebeck FD.
At 5:19 AM, Ladder 59-46 was requested mutual aid to stand by for the Fairview Fire District in their station while their crews operated at a large multi-agency structure fire at the Hudson River State Hospital property. Rhinebeck personnel remained on standby for approximately 13 hours before returning to the district.
At 12:16 PM, we were requested by the New York State Police to assist with a horse that had become entangled inside a trailer. Engine 59-22 responded after clearing a fire alarm, along with Rescue 59-55 and Ambulance 59-71.
On arrival, crews found that the horse had jumped over the chest bar and become caught in the trailer’s divider system and a tack trunk. Working in coordination with veterinarians from Rhinebeck Equine and members of New York State Police, the horse was sedated and carefully freed.
Firefighters used specialized rescue equipment to carefully lift the horse and safely remove part of the trailer divider system. The horse was then guided onto a rescue glide and removed from the trailer, where he remained under close monitoring by the veterinary team.
The incident occurred near Buttonwood Farm, whose staff provided important assistance throughout the operation, including supplying hay bales used to support the horse during the rescue. The horse is spending the night at Buttonwood Farm and is expected to make a full recovery.
Animal rescues involving large animals can be challenging and require careful coordination to ensure the safety of both responders and the animal involved.
This was a unique incident and a strong example of coordinated work between firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, veterinarians, the horse’s caretakers, and the local community.
In addition to these calls, the Rhinebeck EMS team also handled several medical calls throughout the district during the day.