Horse Rescued from Bog in New Forest Village

Date: 24 June, 2025

Firefighters successfully rescued a horse trapped in a bog last week in the New Forest village of Emery Down.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Monday, 16 June, when Tyse, a 16-hand horse, became stuck in deep mud while being ridden along an unfamiliar route. What initially appeared to be a solid patch of grass turned treacherous, leaving both horse and rider sinking into the bog.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) received the call around 4pm, dispatching crews from Redbridge along with specialist animal rescue teams from Lyndhurst and Winchester.

Working under the supervision of a local vet, firefighters used a barrel rolling technique to safely extricate Tyse from the bog. The team employed specialist strops, a head harness, and other animal rescue equipment to carry out a controlled rollover and ensure the horse was removed safely and without injury.

Crews were on the scene for just over three hours and returned to station shortly after 7pm.

Animal rescues of this nature require a careful and skilled approach. We’re pleased that Tyse was safely rescued and reunited with his owner.