Snoqualmie, Wash. – On Monday a horse named Stewie had reportedly fallen through a wooden bridge part of riding trails near Snoqualmie, Washington.
First responders with the Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART) received a call and responded to the scene. The team was assisted in the rescue by the Snoqualmie Police & Fire Departments, Eastside Fire & Rescue, and a local veterinarian. Firefighters had to cut away parts of the collapse bridge to help the horse down to the creek bed in order to free the horse.
It was not immediately clear what caused the bridge’s partial collapse. Rescuers had ultimately prepared a sling and tow truck to help hoist the horse up from the creek, but it was not needed after the horse was able to stand on it’s own. Multiple trees had to be cut to facilitate the rescue.
After standing, Stewie rested for a brief period of time before being coaxed back up onto the trail. He was then loaded into a trailer and transported to a veterinary hospital for treatment of his injuries.
According to it’s own website, WASART is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit all-volunteer organization that helps companion animals and livestock out of immediate crisis and dangerous situations. WASART is trained to help in situations such as if your horse is trapped in a well, your dog falls over a cliff, or your community needs help sheltering animals for short-term issues, like threat of fire.