Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MIDVALE — A horse had to be rescued from the Jordan River Sunday night.
About 7:50 p.m., a horse walking along the banks of the Jordan River, near 8350 South, lost his footing after part of the bank gave way and fell into the water.
At first, only the horse's head was above the water, said West Jordan Fire Battalion Chief Steve Holmes.
The horse was carried a short distance away to about 7800 South where he was able to gain his footing and the water was about chest deep, he said.
Swift water rescue crews from the West Jordan, South Jordan and Murray Fire Departments and the Unified Fire Authority were called to the scene. UFA also used a firefighter who specialized in large animal rescues.
About 8:45 p.m., as crews were attempting to get the horse back on shore, he moved again.
"He got spooked, possibly from some lightning in the distance, and started moving down river again," Holmes said.
The horse was able to catch his footing again down river, and this time able to climb out of the river on his own, just before 9 p.m., he said.
The traveled about 100 yards from where he fell in to where he got out, Holmes said.
Officials do not believe a rider was on the horse at the time of the accident.
Email:preavy@ksl.com
