Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: Fort Erie Fire Department and Track Staff

Every Friday, Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world. Today, we recognize Fort Erie Fire Department and the staff at the racetrack for their efforts toward saving Mr. Chague.

Parts of North America have had an incredibly wet year so far. This has created myriad problems; from flooding to hay shortages, the wet weather is hard on the horse community.

At Fort Erie Racetrack in Ontario, Canada, the already saturated ground in combination with a water main break resulted in what could have been disastrous consequences for Mr. Changue, a four-year-old racehorse (Gottcha Gold – Glory Mountain – Montbrook).

The Thoroughbred was grazing in the pasture when he fell into a large sinkhole. When he was found, he was kicking and attempting to get out, but all of the thrashing caused him to sink deeper into the ground. The hole was at least six feet deep and higher than the horse’s withers.

The Fort Erie Fire Department and workers at the track worked together in order to get Mr. Changue out of the sinkhole. Although staff members of the track have training in horse rescue, retrieving one from a sinkhole was a first for them. Mr. Changue was treated for his cuts and scrapes, but he is expected to make full recovery.

So, standing ovation to you, Fort Erie Fire Department and track staff for your quick thinking and actions to secure the safety of Mr. Changue. Go riding!

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.