New Forest Pony Rescued from Pond by Firefighters

A New Forest pony is safe and well after being rescued from a deep pond in Ashurst last night, thanks to the swift action of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

The alarm was raised at around 9pm by a family staying at a nearby campsite, who spotted the young pony struggling in the water off Lyndhurst Road. The animal was found submerged up to its neck, unable to escape from the muddy pond on its own.

Crews from Lyndhurst and Winchester fire stations, including a specialist animal rescue officer, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Working closely with a New Forest agister, firefighters navigated the treacherous terrain using mud paths to safely approach the trapped animal.

Using specialist rescue equipment and techniques, the team managed to free the pony from the water. Fortunately, the pony, described as young and fit, recovered quickly and was soon seen trotting back into the New Forest.

After ensuring the animal’s safety, crews returned to station shortly after midnight following a thorough clean-up of equipment used during the operation.

Thanks to the quick thinking of the campsite visitors and the coordinated response of all teams involved, the incident ended with a positive outcome for this much-loved New Forest resident.