Firefighters Rescue Horse From Pit Near Barstow

Firefighters traded their hoses for shovels to dig out a horse that became trapped in a pit near Barstow on Friday afternoon. The equine emergency unfolded about 2 p.m., when someone reported spotting the white, medium-size horse in a wood-lined hole along Highway 247, near Stoddard Valley Road, the San Bernardino County Fire Department said in a written statement. “It was trapped in a 4×4 hole approximately 7 feet deep,” according to the statement. “The horse was extremely agitated in its position, which complicated efforts.” With help from a veterinarian, who sedated the horse, nine firefighters managed to dig out one side of the hole, creating a ramp for the horse to climb out, officials said. “After a short period of time and digging by crews on scene, the horse was safely extracted without any apparent injury,” the statement said.