Missouri Fire Crew Pulls Two Horses From Icy Pond After Cold Snap

Firefighters in central Missouri rescued two horses Monday morning. The Cuba Fire Protection District responded to an emergency call involving horses venturing onto what appeared to be solid, snow-covered ice, but was actually thin and cracked under the combined weight of the horses, leaving them trapped in the freezing pond water.

Firefighters worked in harsh, frigid conditions to break the ice around the trapped animals and create an escape route for the two horses to return safely to shore.

After the rescue, local veterinarians examined both animals at the scene. Despite the cold ordeal, the horses showed no signs of serious injury or hypothermia.

The animals were immediately moved to a heated, dry barn where they continued to recover. Fire officials reported that both horses were in good spirits after the icy accident.

The incident is a reminder of the dangers posed by seemingly thin ice in winter, even for large animals that can usually navigate the frozen surface safely.

Cuba is located approximately 80 miles southwest of St. Louis in Crawford County.