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Pony stuck in well leads to large animal rescue in Meadowbrook
Riverside County Nov 04, 2024
A pony in Meadowbrook stands safely on solid ground the animal was rescued from a well. | Photo courtesy of the city of Riverside
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An American Shetland pony fell into a well on a Meadowbrook property Friday, leaving the helpless animal stuck and prompting a large animal rescue by Riverside County firefighters and personnel from the Riverside police and fire departments.
The trapped pony was reported just before 3 p.m. at 25910 El Toro Road, nearly a mile south of Lindell Road, in a remote area near Perris comprised mostly of scattered properties, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Fire officals said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and found the pony in the 20-foot well without any way to get out. It was unclear if the well had been abandoned or was still in use, but water in it, authorities said.
County firefighters were not equipped for the rescue and asked for assistance from agencies with personnel who have the specialized training required to extract large animals trapped in tight spaces.
Among them was the Riverside Horse & Animal Rescue Team, or HART, which is staffed by the Riverside police Mounted Patrol Unit and city of Riverside firefighters with knowledge of trench rescues involving helicopters.
Rescuers worked through the afternoon and evening and at 9:30 p.m. reported that the pony was safely out of the well with minor injuries.
“The pony was evaluated and treated on scene for lacerations to its head and legs,” county fire officials said in an X post. “After treatment, the pony was released to its owner.”
A veterinarian was scheduled to check on the pony the following morning, fire officials said.
