Members of at least six Maine emergency departments collaborated in a four-hour rescue to free a 1,100-pound horse named Dancer, who was stuck in a mud hole in Casco after her rider slid down an incline at Jugtown Forest. The rescue involved careful handling to avoid injury, with a local veterinarian present to evaluate the horse’s condition. Using an excavator, rescuers successfully lifted Dancer out, and she was found unharmed and reunited with her owners.

Casco Fire & Rescue highlighted the valuable specialized training and equipment provided by the Harrison and Norway fire departments for large animal rescues. To further support such efforts, Harrison fire officials will offer introductory training sessions for first responders on large animal rescues on August 2 and 9, with horse and farm owners invited to attend the first session for a fee of $25.