During a routine ride in Germany’s Aachen Forest, a 20-year-old horse named Fee suddenly sank into a five-foot-deep cavity that opened beneath her, leaving only her head visible above the forest floor. Her owner, Gabi Schick, quickly called for help, and a rescue team including a vet, local fire brigade, and specialists from ComCavalo—an organization that trains firefighters in large-animal rescues—arrived to assist. After around two hours of careful digging and using special wide rescue harnesses, Fee was safely freed.

Despite the frightening ordeal, Fee emerged unharmed, though initially wobbly and sweating from the cold ground. Gabi reported that the mare had no broken bones or lasting damage and was able to walk back to the stable. The hole has since been temporarily filled and cordoned off while local authorities investigate the cause of the sudden ground collapse.