Stewie, Horse Who Fell Through a Bridge

We responded on Labor Day to a call for a horse that had fallen through a wooden bridge in Snoqualmie. On arriving on scene, the Snoqualmie Fire Department and Emergency Management, Eastside Fire & Rescue, and a veterinarian were already managing the situation. As a plan was already being carried out, we readied equipment and responders for a moment when we could help in the safest way for everyone, including the horse, Stewie.

The distance between the bridge and the mostly dry creek bed was not far, and the fire department had cut enough of the bridge to allow the horse to continue all the way through.

At that point, we were able to help, and we all worked together to pull the horse from under the bridge and to a flatter spot where we could encourage him to attempt to stand. We cut some small trees near where he rested and arranged his hooves and legs so they wouldn’t get tangled. We had a lift harness ready to go. The Snoqualmie Police Department, who were overseeing the scene, had called a large tow truck with a boom. We planned to use the truck to hoist Stewie up and over an overpass, just above the wooden bridge.

Fortunately for all, Stewie was able to stand on his own. We gave him a little bit more time to rest and then coaxed him up the trail. It wasn’t far to a horse trailer, and he loaded well and on his own and was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment.

A big thanks to everyone involved and our best wishes to Stewie!

(Eep! This story has been updated to correct the name of the horse, Stewie, from Stevie. So sorry, Stewie!)