Wet weather stumps horse

Macclesfield CFA tries to get a horse back on its feet.

By Jodie Symonds

EMERALD SES has been busy as a result of the harsh weather conditions.
Unit Controller Ben Owen said Emerald SES has received more than 50 calls since severe storms struck on Tuesday 4 October.
“It’s higher than our everyday calls, but definitely not uncommon for this time of year,” Mr Owen said.
Five members from Emerald SES assisted in Macclesfield at 12.20pm on Wednesday 5 October, where a horse was unable to get up after laying down as it sought refuge from a waterlogged and slippery paddock.
Mr Owen said he and the other members attended to help Macclesfield CFA and rescue the horse.
“The CFA had already slid a board under the horse by the time we got there – which was a fair bit of work,” he said.
“About 10 minutes later, the horse was up on all fours.”
The horse is now happily in an open paddock eating grass.
Emerald SES member Peter Copp flew to Adelaide on Monday 3 October to assist and relieve Adelaide members.
He will return on Friday 7 October.
Mr Owen said there is likely to be more trees that will fall down in the next couple of days, as trees become wet at the roots.
“It’s hard to believe this time last year, we had a fire ban and it was 35 degrees,” Mr Owen said.
To report an emergency to the SES, call 13 25 00, or call triple zero.