Fire crews help sick horse in rescue mission

The mare, Lilley, had been taken in by the Brownbread Horse Rescue in Ashburnham, but collapsed shortly after her arrival on December 4.

Because the sick horse was so weak, she was unable to get back on her feet.

Worried staff at the centre called East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for help.

Firefighters from Herstmonceux and a specialist animal rescue unit from Crowborough Fire Station, arrived at the scene at 10.50pm.

Under the watchful eyes of a veterinarian from Vets in Battle, Lilley was placed in sling and hoisted to her feet to regain her strength.

The mare has continued to improve and has now gained enough to get up on her own.

She is continuing to receive the usual high standard of round-the-clock care which the centre is famous for.

Brownbread trustee, Tony Smith, said: “Thanks to the ESFRS crews for their skill in resolving a difficult situation

in the dark.”

It is not the first time firefighters have been called out to the centre.

Back in April, crews helped to rescue emaciated and heavily pregnant Gypsy, who had been left in a field to die.

Gypsy collapsed at the centre and had to be brought back to her feet in a three hour rescue mission.

Despite facing possibility of euthanasia, Gypsy made a miraculous recovery and gave birth to a healthy colt.

Any donations of money or hay to help the centre’s 50 horses through the winter months would be appreciated - please call 01424 892381.