By Richard Brooks
The Press Enterprise
REDLANDS, Calif. — A 1,000-pound horse emerged from a damaged trailer bloody but safe Monday after a Redlands fire crew cut the critter out of the vehicle in much the same way firefighters rescue motorists who’ve been trapped in crashed cars.
The 18-year-old polo horse named Xena was riding with two other horses on a trip from Palm Springs to Rancho Santa Margarita when the mare became anxious and kicked out the side of the trailer along Interstate 10, fire officials said in a written statement.
When the crew of ladder truck 261 arrived about 3:45 p.m. Monday, her right rear leg was caught between the slats of the wall and was bleeding severely from a cut just above the hoof.
Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to spread the slats and free the horse’s leg. But then, the bleeding worsened, prompting the crew to contact local veterinarians to provide immediate treatment.
Afterward, the owners drove to Chino to obtain further treatment for the animal’s wound.
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