Dramatic Rescue Saves Horse From Icy New York Pond

A harrowing scene unfolded in upstate New York this week as a beloved horse named Sly found himself trapped in a frigid pond. What followed was a display of community spirit and unwavering determination, culminating in a dramatic rescue captured on camera. A team of police officers, neighbors, and family members braved the icy conditions to pull the 1,300-pound quarter horse to safety.

The incident occurred in Saratoga Springs, where Sly, a venerable 22-year-old, resides with his owner, Ali Ernst. Ernst, who works as a technician at the Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, returned home from work to a seemingly ordinary sight: her three horses playing near a pond. This was a common occurrence, and initially, she thought nothing of it. However, a second glance revealed a terrifying situation – Sly had fallen through the ice and was struggling to stay afloat in the frigid water.

Panic set in as Ernst realized the gravity of the situation. Sly, a horse of considerable size and age, was flailing his legs, desperately trying to find purchase on the slippery ice. The water temperature was dangerously low, posing an immediate threat of hypothermia. Knowing that every second counted, Ernst acted quickly, calling for help and then rushing to the pond with Sly’s halter.

Bodycam footage from the Saratoga Springs Police Department offers a visceral glimpse into the rescue effort. The video shows Sly submerged in the icy water, his head barely above the surface. Ernst, her face etched with concern, is seen desperately trying to keep Sly’s head afloat. The struggle was immense, and it was clear that she couldn’t maintain the effort alone.

"I was losing the battle to keep him above water alone," Ernst later recounted.

Responding to the call for help, Saratoga Springs Police Officer Kyle Clinton was the first to arrive at the scene. Without hesitation, he joined Ernst in her efforts, focusing on keeping Sly’s head above the water. This was a crucial step, preventing the horse from inhaling water and further compromising his situation.

As time stretched on, more help arrived. Two additional police officers, along with neighbors and family members, joined the rescue effort. The group swelled to nine individuals, united by a common goal: to save Sly from the icy grip of the pond.

The rescue was a grueling physical challenge. The ice was slippery, the water was bone-chilling, and Sly’s weight presented a significant obstacle. The rescuers grunted audibly as they strained to pull the horse from the water.

"One, two, three, pull!" they chanted in unison, their voices filled with determination. "C’mon, baby. We got ya!"

The bodycam footage captures the raw emotion and physical exertion of the rescuers. Each pull was a testament to their commitment to saving Sly’s life. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the group managed to heave Sly out of the water.

The relief was palpable as Sly was finally on solid ground. The horse, exhausted and shivering, lay motionless for a few moments. Then, slowly but surely, he began to stir. Within a few minutes, Sly was able to get back on his feet, a testament to his resilience and the quick actions of his rescuers.

Despite the successful extraction, Sly’s ordeal was far from over. He was immediately transported to the Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, where Ernst works, for treatment. He was suffering from hypothermia, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by prolonged exposure to the cold.

The staff at the hospital immediately went to work, providing Sly with warm blankets and administering necessary medical care. Ernst remained by his side, providing comfort and reassurance.

The following days were filled with uncertainty as Sly battled the effects of hypothermia. However, thanks to the prompt and effective medical care, Sly showed signs of improvement. By Wednesday, he had recovered sufficiently to return home, much to the relief of Ernst and the entire community.

Ernst expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue effort. "I’m so thankful for everyone who helped," she said. "I don’t know what I would have done without them."

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the unwavering bond between humans and animals. The quick thinking and selfless actions of the police officers, neighbors, and family members saved Sly’s life.

Following the incident, Ernst took steps to prevent a similar situation from happening again. An electric fence has been installed around the pond to keep the horses away from the ice.

"Playing on the ice is no longer allowed," Ernst stated.

The dramatic rescue of Sly has become a heartwarming story, demonstrating the power of human compassion and the importance of being prepared for unexpected emergencies. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of daunting challenges, individuals working together can achieve extraordinary things. The bodycam footage of the rescue has been widely shared, inspiring viewers with its depiction of heroism and community spirit. Sly’s story is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals and the unwavering dedication of those who are willing to go the extra mile to protect them. The horse is now safely back home, enjoying the comfort and security of his familiar surroundings, thanks to the heroic efforts of his owner and the selfless individuals who rushed to his aid. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of icy conditions and the importance of taking precautions to ensure the safety of both animals and humans.