A PECULIAR ACCIDENT.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 June 1918, Page 4

A PECULIAR ACCIDENT.

An unusual incident occurred to a horse at Ngapara, Otago, during the dog trials there. The animal was tethered near a well, and during the night he fell down it. Luckily the rope was long enough to permit of the horse striking the water before it drew taut, but the extrication of the beast proved a problem. A rope was passed round it behind the forelegs, and, to prevent it knocking its head on the sides of the well, the halter ((still on) was tied to the rope above. Sheerlegs were rigged and the horse hauled up, when it was found that the forequarters only could be raised above the well, because of the shortness of the sheer-legs. About this time it was noted that the rope had stretched with its burden, so that most of the weight was on the halter, and the horse was fast strangling. Its dying contortions accidentally saved its life, paradoxical as it may appear, and succeeded where the wit of man had failed, as it drew up its hind legs struck its hocks across the well kerb, and it was bundled on to firm ground by five pairs of willing hands little the worse for its adventure.