DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County firefighters rushed to the rescue when they got an unusual call at a local farm on Saturday. A horse at the Little Creek Horse Farm could not stand on its own after the barn staff tried everything.
Acting as quickly and impromptu, crews created a rope pulley rigging system, ultimately saving the horse, Sugarfoot's, life.
Elizabeth Yates, Sugarfoot's owner, said the Arabian horse is 32 years old and has arthritis.
"It was scary. Without the DeKalb County Fire Rescue, it might have been a very different outcome," the owner said.
According to Yates, if horses are on their side for too long, it can cause devastating complications. Luckily, that wasn't Sugarfoot's fate this weekend.
Captain Rivero with DeKalb County Fire Rescue said in his 25 years of service, it was the first time they had to lift a horse up to its feet.
"We never had that before, so we had to brainstorm," Cpt. Rivero said. "We built that system while we were here with some of the ropes and pulleys that we used."
He added a doctor was on the scene to help ensure the Sugarfoot's safety.
Yates was very grateful for the staff and fire crews who were able to save the horse.
"I'm overwhelmed with emotion and just incredibly impressed. They had to basically make a sling. I really owe them a lot," the owner said.
She added shortly after they rescued Sugarfoot, he was up and walking around normally.
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