San Mateo County emergency workers rescue horse out of ditch

LOMA MAR, Calif. (KTVU) - San Mateo County emergency officials are receiving words of thanks, after they rescued a horse that got stuck in a ditch last week. 

On Thursday, a horse and its handler were on a ride in Sam McDonald Park in Loma Mar, located about 35 miles south of San Mateo, when they ended up in what Chris Smith described as a "very awkward predicament."

"... we found ourselves stuck in a deep ditch, unable to climb out," Smith later wrote in a message of appreciation to rescue workers. 

San Mateo County sheriff's officials told KTVU that the horse named Cody was stuck for about 30 minutes before first responders from the county's parks department, Cal Fire, La Honda Fire, along with the SPCA all responded.

The photos of the rescue were posted on Facebook. One shows the white horse on its side as he is pulled up from the ditch. 

Smith said, "Cody was safely returned to solid ground." And he expressed his gratitude to all those who helped in the rescue. 

Sheriff's officials in turn praised the collaborative work among all the different agencies involved. 

“We are so thankful for the team effort made to help this wonderful animal and his family,” the sheriff's office said.