Firefighters and Rope Rescue Team Lift Injured Horse in Valley City

Careful coordination and specialized equipment were key to the successful rescue operation.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Firefighters and a county rope rescue team worked together for hours to carefully lift an injured 1,000-pound horse off the ground inside a Valley City barn. The horse had injured its rear leg and was unable to stand on its own. The rescue team used a mechanical-advantage pulley system, similar to those used in high-angle cliff rescues, to slowly and safely lift the animal while local firefighters handled the hauling. After the successful operation, the veterinarian on scene said the horse is expected to make a full recovery.

Why it matters

Large animal rescues like this one, while still relatively rare, are becoming more common for the county's rope rescue team. The successful coordination between firefighters, the rope rescue specialists, the veterinarian, and the horse's owners highlights the planning, specialized equipment, and manpower required to safely lift and rescue a 1,000-pound animal.

The details

The Medina County Emergency Management Agency received the call around 5:12 p.m. on Sunday after a veterinarian spent roughly three hours trying unsuccessfully to help the horse stand. The animal had injured a rear leg and was lying on its side inside a stall, unable to get up on its own. Six members of the Valley City Fire Department were already on scene when eight members of the county's EMA Rope Rescue Team were called in to assist. The rope team built a mechanical-advantage pulley system to carefully position the horse inside the rigging, while local firefighters handled the hauling. Rope specialists stayed close to the animal and monitored every inch of movement during the slow and methodical process of lifting the 1,000-pound horse.

  • The Medina County Emergency Management Agency received the call around 5:12 p.m. on Sunday.
  • A veterinarian had spent roughly three hours trying unsuccessfully to help the horse stand prior to calling for assistance.

The players

Medina County Emergency Management Agency

The agency that received the call for assistance and coordinated the rescue effort, including deploying the county's EMA Rope Rescue Team.

Valley City Fire Department

The local fire department that was already on scene when the rope rescue team arrived and assisted with the hauling and lifting of the injured horse.

EMA Rope Rescue Team

A specialized team within the Medina County Emergency Management Agency that is trained in high-angle rope rescues, including the technical skills and equipment required to safely lift and move large animals like horses.

Veterinarian

The veterinarian who had been on scene for roughly three hours trying unsuccessfully to help the injured horse stand on its own before calling for additional assistance.

Horse Owners

The owners of the injured horse who were present during the rescue operation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was a challenging incident that required patience, teamwork, and careful coordination to ensure the safety of both the animal and responders.”

— Ben Nau, Medina County EMA Director (News Release)

What’s next

The veterinarian on scene said the horse is expected to make a full recovery following the successful rescue operation.

The takeaway

The coordination and specialized skills demonstrated by the firefighters, rope rescue team, veterinarian, and horse owners during this large animal rescue highlights the importance of having the right training and equipment to safely respond to these types of incidents, which are becoming more common in the region.