Firefighters and animal services crewmembers teamed up Friday to save a miniature horse that crashed and fell into a plywood-covered well in Riverside County.
The 350-pound horse named Butter fell about 15 feet into the well, which was actually about 60 feet in depth after water was siphoned, officials said.
Firefighters from CAL FIRE and Riverside County Fire, alongside officers and veterinary staff from local animal services agencies, first responded to the call in the unincorporated area of Warm Springs on Friday afternoon.
Firefighters and animal services crewmembers successfully rescue a 12-year-old miniature horse from a well in Riverside County. November 2024. (Riverside County Animal Services) Firefighters and animal services crewmembers successfully rescue a 12-year-old miniature horse from a well in Riverside County. November 2024. (Riverside County Animal Services)
In a rescue that lasted until 10 p.m., the horse was sedated and firefighters wrapped her in an “Anderson sling” to safely hoist her up using a front-loader.
When Butter eventually reached the surface, veterinary colleagues dried her off and wrapped her with a heavy blanket.
An on-scene veterinarian treated Butter’s wounds and injected pain medication. Although the horse didn’t appear to have any serious injuries, there were concerns about the possibility of hypothermia.
“She was visibly shaking while still strapped,” said Dr. Itzel Vizcarra of Riverside County Animal Services. “It’s astounding that she walked away fine the same day.”
Butter was returned to her owner, who later took her to his own veterinarian for a follow-up examination, officials said.
Rescuers initially feared the drop would have killed or severely injured the mare. But Riverside County Animal Services announced Monday that 12-year-old Butter is “doing great” in her recovery.
“We were all amazed she came out without any major trauma,” said Vizcarra. “This was a huge team effort by many rescuers, so it’s uplifting to learn Butter will be okay.”