We received a call about a 23-year-old draft horse named Theo, who we had previously met last year. He had been stuck down against a wall overnight and was unable to get back on his feet. We deployed with our rescue truck and equipment trailer.
When we arrived, we found Theo wedged tightly against a wooden wall, sitting upright and unable to move. He was exhausted, and there was no safe way for us to access his front end without being in danger of being kicked.
Because Theo weighs close to a ton, we knew this was a high-risk situation for both him and our responders. Working alongside the veterinarian, we immediately began setting up our tripod and haul systems using our specialized rescue equipment.
Before we could place the rescue straps, Theo needed to be sedated by the veterinarian. Sedation helped him relax and allowed us to work near his legs more safely. Once he was sedated, we slid the rescue straps into position, using inflatable air shims — essentially a “horse jack” — to gently create space between Theo and the wall.
With the straps secured, we attached a haul system and slowly guided Theo onto the rescue glide. We controlled the glide with ropes as we carefully moved him away from the wall and positioned him beneath the tripod.
Once centered under the tripod, we attached Theo to the Becker bar and slings. With team members assigned to hauling, rope control, and the quick-release safety system, we began the raise. We lifted and lowered Theo incrementally so his body could adjust, while guiding his legs into a standing position. This slow, controlled process allowed blood flow to safely return to his muscles.
Theo needed IV fluids and additional time to regain strength, especially in his hind end. For more than an hour, we stayed with him, raising and lowering him as needed, helping position his feet, and supporting him while the veterinarian provided care.
In the end, Theo stood on his own. We removed the slings, and he was able to walk without assistance. We placed him in a round pen with a blanket, food, and water and returned him to his owner’s care.
Afterwards, we deconstructed all equipment, debriefed, and headed home. The entire rescue took nearly 8 hours from the first call to the final debrief.
Thank you to Theo’s owner for trusting us to help, and to Dr. Lynch and her assistant Gabbi from Tacoma Equine Hospital for their invaluable assistance with Theo’s medical care during this deployment. These types of rescues are always a team effort.
The last time we met Theo it was warm and dry. Yesterday, it was cold and muddy — and our gear definitely shows it! We’ve got a lot of cleaning to do, so please send some good vibes to our volunteers as they tackle the mud cleanup.
WASART is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. To learn more about us, please visit wasart.org.
Rosie – Dog on the Pacific Crest Trail