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McHenry Today
By the People, for the People
Horse rescued from flooded creek reunited with owner
Dozens of rescuers saved the 20-year-old Appaloosa horse in Marengo, Illinois
Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:34pm
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A dramatic rescue operation saves a horse from the violent floodwaters, underscoring the importance of emergency preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.McHenry TodayA 20-year-old Appaloosa horse named Troy was swept away in floodwaters from Coon Creek in Marengo, Illinois, on Friday. About 45 people, including a large animal rescue team from Wisconsin, worked to pull Troy from the chest-deep cold water about 200 yards from the nearest shore. The veterinarian was concerned about severe hypothermia, but Troy was reunited with his grateful owner, Ashley Beaulieu, on Wednesday.
Why it matters
The rescue operation highlights the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts and specialized equipment to save large animals in dangerous flood conditions. Extreme weather events are becoming more common, underscoring the need for communities to be prepared to protect both human and animal lives.
The details
Firefighters found Troy stranded in the flooded Coon Creek on Friday. Rescue teams from multiple agencies, including a large animal rescue team from Wisconsin, used a boat to reach the horse and began treating him for severe hypothermia. The veterinarian, Dr. Nicky Wessel, worked quickly to assess Troy's condition and provide emergency care before he was safely transported to dry land.
- On Friday, Coon Creek overflowed its banks during a storm, sweeping Troy away.
- On the same day, firefighters rescued Troy from chest-deep cold water about 200 yards from shore.
- On Wednesday, Troy was reunited with his owner, Ashley Beaulieu.
The players
Troy
A 20-year-old Appaloosa horse who was rescued from a flooded creek in Marengo, Illinois.
Ashley Beaulieu
The grateful owner of Troy, the horse that was rescued from the flooded creek.
Dr. Nicky Wessel
A veterinarian with Cutting Edge Equine Veterinary Services who provided emergency care to Troy after the rescue.
What they’re saying
“He's a big horse. I didn't know whether or not he swallowed water. I mean, he went down the river. He didn't walk to the other side of there, right?”
— Dr. Nicky Wessel, Veterinarian
“He looks great and he certainly smells better than he did when I met him in mucky water over the weekend. He's one tough horse.”
— Dr. Nicky Wessel, Veterinarian
What’s next
The local community is planning a celebration to honor the first responders and rescue teams involved in saving Troy's life.
The takeaway
This dramatic rescue operation highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and specialized training to protect both human and animal lives during extreme weather events. The successful reunion of Troy with his grateful owner is a heartwarming reminder of the resilience of the human-animal bond.
