Colorado Firefighters Rush Against Time To Save Blind Horse From Drowning

Every now and then, you hear a story that restores your faith in the goodness of people. This is one of those stories. 

Just days ago in Colorado, firefighters from the Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) showed incredible bravery and compassion when they saved a horse named Lacy from what could have been a tragic end.

At 9:50 a.m., responders were dispatched to the intersection of N. Giddings Rd. and E. CR 56. 

When they arrived, they found Lacy—a blind horse in her 20s—struggling in a canal, the water rising up to her shoulders. For a horse already vulnerable because of her blindness, the situation was life-threatening.

What made this effort extraordinary was the collaboration—PFA’s Large Animal Rescue Team, CSU’s veterinary staff, and  UC Health ambulance services all worked together.

A firefighter with specialized training in swift water and animal rescues courageously stepped into the canal.

He managed to place a harness around Lacy’s neck, giving rescuers a chance to guide her downstream to a spot where the banks were less steep. The hope was that Lacy could climb out with their help.

Onshore, the CSU veterinary team worked closely with firefighters, advising on how to keep her calm through the frightening ordeal. 

But despite everyone’s best efforts, the plan didn’t work as they had hoped. Lacy tried, but she was simply too exhausted to pull herself out.

As PFA later explained in their Facebook post:

“Lacy, already tired, did not have the strength to exit on her own even with assistance from the firefighters on ropes. She laid down after a short attempt. Responders comforted her and the animal care team was able to provide a mild sedative.”

With Lacy too weak to climb out, the team had to come up with another strategy. Time was running short. 

That’s when they decided to use a winch system. With ropes, careful planning, and sheer determination, they worked together to pull the exhausted horse safely out of the canal.

Finally, after an intense effort, Lacy was back on dry land.

The vet team checked her vitals and began treatment instantly. She had several cuts on her legs but, miraculously, no major injuries. 

Once the sedation wore off, Lacy showed the strength that had carried her through the ordeal. She began eating hay, soaking up gentle pats and affection from the people who had just saved her life.

PFA also shared updates and photos on their X (Twitter) account, showing the incredible teamwork that went into saving her. The post drew admiration from across the community and beyond.

https://x.com/poudrefire/status/1809681268172370042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1809681268172370042%7Ctwgr%5Ec0d1ceaf843459989987ea79c1b0751cca95e6a8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoors.com%2Fwatch-colorado-fire-department-rescues-blind-horse-from-drowning%2F

This rescue wasn’t just about technical skill—it was about compassion. 

Everyone involved, from the firefighters who climbed into the water to the veterinary experts guiding the process, came together to make sure this blind horse had a chance to live another day.

Thanks to their courage and quick thinking, Lacy is now safe. She can return to her peaceful life, enjoying hay and sunshine, instead of being another sad story lost to circumstance.

Stories like this remind us of the power of teamwork, kindness, and never giving up—especially when a life depends on it.