Fire crews rescue pony after it goes for quick paddle in Chichester house's pool

UNITED KINGDOM -- This paddling pony was left with a long face after it stumbled into a luxury swimming pool.

RSPCA officers had to rescue the four-legged swimmer after it was found wallowing helplessly behind a house in Chichester.

The stray pony had wandered into the back garden and plunged through the pool’s hard cover.

Firefighters then pumped the pool dry before leading the sodden animal up the steps to safety.

RSPCA animal welfare officer Marie Stevens said the pony was in a stable condition after its watery adventure.

Rescuers are puzzled as to where the pony came from and the RSPCA is appealing for the animal’s owner.

Ms Stevens said: “I arrived just after the fire brigade at 7.30am to find the black and white pony up to his neck in the shallow end of the pool. A fire officer went into the water with a harness for the pony and held him as the cover was removed.

“We had a vet on standby just in case.”

(The Argus - Aug 30 2013)