RORY is an elderly pony who has lived in his field, at Town Park, in Crediton for more than 30 years!

On the evening of December 27, his owner found Rory on the wrong side of the fence at the bottom of his field. While his owner was attempting to get him back, Rory caught his back legs and slipped over, becoming stuck at the bottom of a very steep, muddy, slippery hill against a chain link fence. He was also stuck in brambles!

Seeing Rory’s predicament, his owners quickly called St Boniface Vets Emergency Line and veterinary surgeon, Clare attended.

After an initial assessment, Clare identified no serious injuries, but Rory was very cold and tired, and did not have the strength to get himself up.

Rory was given some pain relief and, as it was clear that some more specialist help was required to get Rory back to safety, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service were called to rescue the pony.

With the help and expertise of the local Crediton fire crew and fire service Specialist Rescue Team from Barnstaple, Rory was pulled out of the hedge and up the slope with special straps and winches.

The ground was wet and muddy and the whole team, which included neighbours, worked hard to get Rory to a safe and level patch of ground.

Local resident, Philip Hutchens said that evening:” I’ve just spent the past few hours with a vet and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service rescuing our friends horse who was trapped in a ditch.

“After a tremendous effort in very wet and muddy conditions we all managed to get the pony up on its feet.”

With a little rest and some food, Rory was able to stand on his own and was slowly walked back to his stable with support from Clare and the firefighters.

St Boniface Vets are pleased to report that despite his age, Rory has recovered well and is now happily back in his field!