Horse uses another life in latest drama

Rescued from a Welsh farm in terrible condition, left fighting for his life several times during attacks of colic and battling through crippling joint problems, the eight-year-old shire horse has had a tough time of it.

But not happy with numerous previous close shaves with death, Bramble was at it again late last Monday night when he toppled into a stream and almost drowned.

It was only the fast work of owners Liz Fouache and Dave Mewse along with firefighters and a vet which saved Bramble.

Mr Mewse found Bramble in the stream next to the couple's home at The Wern at Pool Quay, near Welshpool, and unable to get out.

Fire crews from Mid Wales and Shropshire were scrambled to hoist him out of the muddy ditch and it took hours before the horse was eventually pulled to safety.

Miss Fouache, 67, today thanked everyone who came to her horse's aid, admitting that once again she thought Bramble was done for.

She said: "I have to admit I really thought he was going to die this time.

"We have been through a lot with him and he had a terrible start to life and he has gone through so much and this time I thought we might lose him.

"I think what happened was that he had been in a hollow which he likes to lie in but because he has joint problems he struggled to get up.

"He then appears to have toppled over a fence and into the stream, again unable to get out.

"It was actually my partner Dave who noticed what had happened.

"He was outside at about 10.45pm on Monday when he heard noise in the undergrowth.

"He found Bramble and saw he was trying to get up and get out but just could not make it out.

"We both tried to help him, I was trying to keep him calm because I was worried he would start panicking but he could just not get clear.

"Dave was trying to cut the fence so he could get out and I was trying to keep everything calm and we were doing all this with just one little torch, it was frightening.

"I think I must have dialled 999 at about 1.10am on Tuesday because things were getting worse and he was stuck.

"The Welshpool firefighters came first and they assessed what needed to happen and then fire crews from Shropshire arrived. It was in the middle of the night and I have never seen so many blue lights and activity – our neighbours came because they thought we were on fire.

"They used a hoist in the end to get him out but even that was a tricky operation because they had to remove branches and all sorts to get access."

The couple called a vet and Bramble was sedated.

Miss Fouache said: "Again we thought he might die because of the trauma and also we were worried he would drown in the stream.

"They had to use a lielow type thing to keep his head up."

Miss Fouache said Bramble was eventually pulled safe at about 5am.

She said: "It was a long time for everyone and everybody who came was fantastic, I can't thank them enough. To everybody's amazement he got to his feet.

"He was a bit wobbly but we gave him some food and he pulled through.

"And now, apart from a swollen eye and grazes, he is fine," said Miss Fouache, who keeps seven horses.