In Herber-Overgaard, Arizona, wild horse rescuers have successfully saved several horses, including a mother and her foal, from a dangerous mud pit that has formed due to ongoing drought conditions. Betty Nixon, a member of Friends of the Heber Wild Horses, received urgent calls for help and quickly mobilized a team to rescue the trapped animals. The mud pit, once a reliable watering hole, has become perilous, with the U.S. Forest Service stating it will not refill the hole or take responsibility for the wild horses.

The rescue efforts were challenging, requiring teamwork and patience. Nixon and her group worked for over an hour to free the mare, using ropes and careful coordination to avoid injuring her. Despite the exhausting conditions, the mare was able to stand and reunite with her foal after being pulled from the mud.

The U.S. Forest Service acknowledged the adverse situation for wildlife in the drought-stricken area, noting that the mud pit poses a significant risk but is expected to dry out soon, reducing the likelihood of further incidents. Since the initial rescue, Nixon has had to assist two more horses trapped in the same mud pit, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by wild horses in the region.