Firefighters from the Manhattan Fire Protection District recently assisted in the rescue of a horse that had gone down at a neighboring property in Will County, Illinois. Using a specialized large-animal rescue sling—purchased with $10,000 raised by the community—the team carefully lifted and stabilized the horse with the help of ranch staff, despite challenging cold and snowy conditions. The rescue highlighted the importance of specialized equipment and coordinated efforts in rural areas.

The HHH Ranch publicly thanked the fire district for their swift and professional response, noting that the sling has become a vital resource for the local community. While large-animal rescues are rare and high-risk, this incident underscores the value of community-funded tools and inter-agency cooperation in ensuring successful outcomes for both animals and responders. The horse’s condition was not immediately disclosed, but the rescue was completed successfully.