The Sparta Area Fire Department rescued a horse that had become trapped in a manure pit on Sunday morning. Officials believe strong winds damaged the fencing around the pit, allowing the horse to wander inside. Firefighters used wide tow straps attached to a 100-foot ladder platform on one of their trucks to lift the horse out safely.

After the rescue, crews cooled the horse down with water due to the high heat. Fire Chief Mike Arnold noted that the department has previously rescued other animals, including a dog and a deer, from manure pits.