Rory is an elderly pony who has lived in his field in Crediton for over 30 years!  On the night of 27th December, his owner found Rory the wrong side of the fence at the bottom of his field - while attempting to get back, Rory caught his back legs and slipped over, becoming stuck at the bottom of a very steep, muddy, slippery hill against a chain link fence and stuck in brambles!

Seeing Rory's predicament, his owners quickly called St Boniface Emergency Line, and vet Clare attended.  After an initial assessment, Clare identified no serious injuries, but Rory was very cold and tired, and did not have the strength to get himself up. 

Rory was given some pain relief and, as it was clear that some more specialist help was required to get Rory back to safety, the Fire and Rescue Service were called to assist.
 
With the help and expertise of the local Crediton crew and the Specialist Rescue Team from Barnstaple, Rory was pulled out of the hedge and up the slope with special straps and winches.  The ground was wet and muddy and the whole team worked hard to get Rory to a safe and level patch of ground. 

With a little rest and some food, Rory was able to stand on his own and was slowly walked back to his stable with support from Clare and the Firefighters.
 
We are pleased to report that despite his age, Rory has recovered well and is now happily back in his field!