Horse Falls Into Embankment, Trapping Self In South OC: OCFA

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — A horse named Deuce was helped out of a sticky situation after he slipped down an embankment in San Juan Capistrano and found himself trapped at the bottom Tuesday.

Orange County firefighters responded to the scene and created a pathway up the slope to guide Deuce out of the embankment on foot.

"However, Deuce didn't agree with that plan," an Orange County Fire Authority statement read. "As the sun began to set, firefighters pivoted to Plan B. Working with an experienced veterinarian on scene, firefighters secured the now-sedated horse in a specialized harness and prepared it for an aerial rescue."

Deuce was smoothly flown to the Shea Center, which firefighters say was just nearby.

"Deuce was exhausted for quite some time after the sedative wore off and had trouble standing up — with pressure mounting to get him to his feet as soon as possible to survive — so our Technical Rescue Firefighters delicately hoisted him with a specialized rigging system," the statement said.

The team was successful in getting the horse back on his feet, uninjured.

"Thanks to a true team effort, Deuce is recovering in what the vet describes as 'nothing short of a miracle' and is looking forward to riding the trails of OC again," firefighters said.