BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A loose horse was rescued after falling into a private swimming pool on Crescent Road outside St. Clairsville in Belmont County Wednesday morning.
Officials say the animal’s hind legs broke through a pool cover, leaving it trapped. Firefighters cut away the cover, allowing the horse to safely walk out of the pool.
Homeowner Melissa Starkey told River News that local first responders — including the Barton Volunteer Fire Department, the Colerain Volunteer Fire Company, and Julie Moorehead Larish with Belmont County Hoof & Paw — did an excellent job calming the horse and leading him to safety.
Starkey said she has a retaining wall around her pool, but the horse still managed to find his way in. She added that the animal had wandered about a half-mile from his home.
The horse’s owner, who lives nearby, told responders he was unaware the animal had gotten loose. The horse is now safe and back home.
