Rescuers from the Noblesville Fire Dept. were able to save a horse after it fell through the ice into a frozen pond on Feb. 9.
Homeowners, Thomas and Linda Branum, called 911 needing assistance because one of their horses had fallen through an ice covered pond and could not get out at 6:13 p.m. Division Chief Rick Russell said it was not known how the long the horse was stuck in the icy water prior to first responders arriving to 16230 Seminole Rd.
Lt. Eric Housman and firefighters Phil Miller and Eric Giegerich of Engine 76 were the first to arrive. Russell said they informed dispatch that the horse was submerged in pond water up to its neck and additional units were needed to extract it from the frozen pond. Battalion Chief Chris Gellinger, Division Chief Brandon Marcum and firefighters Dan Milligan, Gary Pitcock, Joe Scheumann and Ryan Emmerson of NFD Station 1 responded and assisted with the extrication. Russell said three NFD members wearing cold water rescue suits entered the pond.
“A rope was placed around the neck of the horse. A second rope was placed around the horse’s mid-section. The three units in the water lifted and pushed the horse, while the remaining units, including the Branum family pulled the horse out of the water,” Russell stated. “Once the horse was removed from the water it was transported to a barn on the property.”
The Branums’ veterinarian, who was on the scene, provided medical care to the horse once it was free. Russell said the animal, named Nya, is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.