Oxfordshire firefighters rescued a horse that had its leg trapped in a cattle grid after it tried to follow another horse that bolted.

The incident occurred at 8.30pm on Saturday, August 24 as firefighters from Bicester, Kidlington and Banbury Fire Stations were called to rescue a horse at a farm in Hethe, near Bicester.

Two horses had escaped from a field and after one had successfully jumped over the cattle grid, the second horse got one of his front legs caught in the grid.

He then managed to drag the section of cattle grid further down the lane before the owners were on hand to calm the horse down and prevent him trying to move further, before calling 999.

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The horse had become stuck in the cattle grid.The horse had become stuck in the cattle grid. (Image: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters from Bicester assessed the situation and made a plan to extricate the horse, whilst awaiting the arrival of the vet and our Animal Rescue Team from Kidlington.

“After the horse had been sedated by the vet to keep him calm, Firefighters used hydraulic spreaders to force apart the bars of the cattle grid and release him.

“We were then able to straighten the grid and re-install it, ensuring farm vehicles could continue to use the track.”

Firefighters also confirmed that the horse’s injuries are believed to be superficial and that the animal is in a stable condition.

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