A RESCUE operation was launched after a horse got stuck in mud.

The animal was stuck in a gateway in Ditcheat when fire crews were called at around 3.45pm on Saturday (July 29).

A crew from Shepton Mallet was sent to the scene, along with a couple of specialist officers.

“Unfortunately the animal rescue equipment was coming from further afield as the nearest was unavailable,” a Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“This equipment came from Poole in Dorset.

“On arrival, due to the travel distance for the animal rescue equipment, crews requested the assistance of the telehandler based in Exeter. A vet had also been called to help the horse.”

Thankfully, they said, crews were able to free the horse.

“The horse was freed from the mud but efforts were then being made to get the horse standing,” they added.

“Luckily the horse managed to get on its feet and the fire crews left it in the hands of the vet on scene and its owner.”