A Morning That Became a Rescue Mission
Just a few mornings ago in Larimer County, Colorado, the Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) got a call around 10:00 a.m.: a horse was stuck in a canal.
When crews arrived near the intersection of N. Giddings Road and E. CR 56, they found Lacy, a blind mare in her 20s, standing in swiftly moving water, up to her shoulders.
According to PFA, the team included swift-water trained firefighters, their Large Animal Rescue Team (LART), Colorado State University veterinary experts, and UC Health ambulance services.
A firefighter waded into the canal with a harness, attempting to guide her downstream toward a spot where the banks were less steep—hoping Lacy could climb out on her own.
On shore, CSU’s veterinary team coached the responders on how to keep her calm and safe.
But Lacy was exhausted. After a short effort, she lay down—too weak to continue. The rescue team recognized that she couldn’t exit unaided.
The Winch Plan
Because the initial plan failed, rescuers moved to a more forceful strategy. They sedated Lacy mildly to calm her nerves and reduce stress.
Then they rigged up large straps around her body, attached them to a winch system mounted on one of their brush trucks, and used a sheeting pad to drag her up the bank.
Slowly and carefully, Lacy was pulled inch by inch out of the water. When she finally reached land, veterinary teams inspected her vital signs and treated her injuries.
Victory—and Fragile Recovery
Miraculously, after the sedative wore off, Lacy stood again. The veterinarians noted cuts and scrapes on her legs, but no major trauma.
The rescue took several hours, emotional and painstaking. Firefighters, vets, and rescuers watched in relief and awe as Lacy took her first steps back to solid ground.
What Caused This Ordeal?
It remains unclear exactly how Lacy ended up in the canal. The PFA said her corral may have been compromised, allowing her to roam into danger.
Her blindness made the situation especially perilous—unable to see the bank, unable to navigate, forced to rely on others entirely.
Beyond the Rescue: The Emotional Impact
This wasn’t just a rescue—it was a reminder of how vulnerable animals depend on human courage and compassion.
Many locals shared their awe on social media. Some wrote that the sight of a huge, blind horse struggling in water was heart-wrenching. Others praised the PFA and veterinary teams: “They saved her life,” one comment read.
PFA’s Large Animal Rescue Team (LART) was dispatched. A firefighter trained in swiftwater entered the canal to be with the horse and begin rescue operations. He was able to put a harness on Lacy to ensure they would not be separated and to hopefully help guide her to safety. pic.twitter.com/LKrevhgiuc
— poudrefire (@poudrefire) July 6, 2024
Final Twist: Lacy’s Second Chance
Now, Lacy is recovering. Her wounds are healing. She’s safe, fed, and surrounded by people who refused to give up.
She’s a symbol of hope—even when darkness overwhelms, when weakness threatens defeat, teamwork and heart can pull you out.
They say when she stands fully again, she’ll graze under Colorado’s big skies, freer than before this nightmare.
So let us remember: she was trapped, drowning, nearly lost—and yet here she is again, alive.
