The Polk County Sheriff's Office Agriculture Unit rescued a horse after it was trapped in a pond for 2.5 hours.
- Horse rescued from Lakeland pond
- 20-year-old mare Quarter horse stuck in six ft of water
- Horse in stable condition
The rescue team was called out to the pond on Dec. 3 near Sleepy Hill Road in Lakeland.
Authorities said they found a 20-year-old mare Quarter horse stuck in six feet of water. The surrounding area of the pond had decomposing wood and muck, making it difficult for the horse to find solid ground.
According to officials, only the head and a small portion of the horse's back were visible; the rest of the horse's body was submerged.
The rescue team was able to pull the horse out with rope and a pulley system. The horse was dried, covered in a horse blanket, and placed in a covered barn with hay for the evening.
A veterinarian evaluated the horse and said it was in stable condition.