Trapped Horse

I have been a horse owner for 34 years. My paint mare, "Pumpkin," recently trapped herself and was rescued by our local Fire Dept. She managed to wedge herself into a tight spot between a quonset-shaped barn and a five-rail heavy pipe corrral fence. This space was so narrow, her feet dangled 12" off the ground. She was unable to back up and her stuggles got her deeper and more tightly trapped. Because Pumpkin was literally hanging by her belly, her breathing was impaired and she was slowly suffocating due to the pressure on her ribs. This was a very dangerous, life-threatening, situation and I knew it. This horse was going into shock. Although we live on a ranch outside a remote mining town, Bagdad does have a volunteer Fire Dept. It was because of their rapid response and the "jaws of life" that Pumpkin was saved. After cutting the 3 lower pipes, Pumpkin fell thru the widened space beneath her and was freed. The galvanized siding of the barn had cut her front leg in several places. After a trip to Dr Lytle in Wickenburg, and lots of stitches, we are expecting her full recovery. Had I had the presence of mind to have my video camera running, you would have had a great horse rescue for your show. Sorry. My concern was for the life of this sweet mare I have owned since her birth. Hindsight. But I though you would like the picture and the happy ending.

Marilyn W.
Bagdad, AZ