Unlucky horse rescued from swimming pool

TERRE HAUTE, IND (WTHI) - Deputy Steve Meng responded just after 8:00 a.m. on Sunday in reference to an animal problem.

Homeowner Jack Harvey, at 13000 block of South US Hwy 41, called central dispatch and reported that a horse had fallen through his swimming pool cover and into the water filled pool.

Jack didn’t know how long the horse had been in the water.  Fortunately for the horse, one of the straps holding up the tarp looped underneath the horse's body and held her afloat.

The horse's back legs were in the deep end and its front legs were standing on the shallow end steps.

Deputy Meng called central dispatch and asked for assistance from the Linton Township Fire Department, the Sugar Creek Fire Department for their water and rope rescue capabilities and a Veterinarian named Dr. Holscher

Police said the horse had become very lethargic and was shivering from the cold when they arrived. It also appeared to be loosing consciousness.

Police told Jack Harvey to bring his Jeep up to the pool's edge to pull the horse to the shallow end of the pool.

With a little teamwork, the Police and Jack were able to cut the remaining pool cover off and pull the horse to the shallow end of the pool.

Luckily, the horse still had the strength to climb the steps out of the pool.

Blankets were retrieved from Jack's house and draped over the horse to keep her warm.

The horse was then moved inside to Jack's heated garage where Dr. Holscher treated her with several medications.

The owner of the horse was located nearby and with the help of the Vigo County Sheriff's Posse, she was put in a trailer and returned home.

Once back at home, her owner told deputies that the horse is blind.

There were no other serious injuries and the horse is expected to make a full recovery.