Miniature Horse Recovering After Falling Into Well Near Lake Elsinore

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A 12-year-old miniature horse named Butter was recovering Monday after falling into a deep well east of Lake Elsinore.

The little horse is back with her owner following the dramatic rescue that began Friday afternoon in the unincorporated area of Warm Springs, which is east of Lake Elsinore and north of Canyon Lake, according to county officials.

It started after the 350-pound animal plunged into a plywood-covered well and fell about 15 feet, though the well was actually 60 feet deep, Riverside County Department of Animal Services reported.

Authorities were called, and firefighters from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, along with Riverside County Department of Animal Services staff and the Riverside Fire Department’s Heavy Animal Rescue Team, joined forces to save Butter.

Rescuers initially feared the animal was severely injured, but after an hours-long rescue that involved a tranquilizer and sling, the horse was hoisted up to safety at about 10 p.m. that night.

Dr. Itzel Vizcarra of Riverside County Department of Animal Services examined Butter at the site and determined the little creature escaped serious injury — wounds were treated and pain medication was administered.

But the horse was traumatized.

"She was visibly shaking while still strapped," Vizcarra said

Hypothermia was a concern, so Butter was wrapped with a heavy blanket.

The owner was told to take Butter to his own veterinarian for a follow-up examination, which he did do, according to the county.

Animal Services officer Lupe Villa followed up with the owner and visited Butter to check up on the horse’s status. The officer reported that the mini appeared to be doing great.

"We were all amazed she came out without any major trauma," Vizcarra said. "This was a huge team effort by many rescuers, so it’s uplifting to learn Butter will be OK."

Riverside County Department of Animal Services has worked with both Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department firefighters and with Riverside City Fire Department’s Heavy Animal Rescue Team members on training exercises in years past. Animal Services also trains regularly with the Norco Animal Rescue Team.

"It was great to put all those training sessions to good, practical use on a real event," said RCDAS Lt. Kyle Stephens, who participated in Friday's rescue. "This was definitely a great team effort by all those involved."

Riverside City Fire Division Chief Tony Perna praised the efforts.

"The Riverside City Fire Department Technical Rescue Team takes pride in supporting local animal rescue efforts," Perna said. "Our department’s Heavy Animal Rescue Team is dedicated to collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions to enhance our rescue operations, expand training opportunities and strengthen our capabilities."