Just after 11 a.m. today, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighters were dispatched to a report of a Clydesdale stuck in a large mud pit at a residence on McInnis Lane in Aloha. Upon their arrival, crews found the 1,800 pound Clydesdale, named Windsor, in approximately two feet of mud on his side. Windsor was hypothermic due to extremely cold temperatures and was unable to gather enough energy to get out of the pit on his own.
Firefighters immediately pulled Windsor out of the mud pit using a system of pulleys and ropes, moving him onto more solid ground where he could begin treatment for hypothermia. Heating equipment from another TVF&R crew was brought in to help warm Windsor while two local Veterinarians assisted with his medical needs. After approximately 45 minutes, Windsor’s temperature came back to near normal numbers and with some assistance, he was able to get back on his feet again.
The rescue took approximately four hours to complete. Windsor is doing well and will fully recover from the incident.
Windsor is not a stranger to the fire service as he is a part of the McInnis Classic Clydesdale team which pulls Forest Grove Fire Department’s 1907 steam engine in the annual holiday parade.
The TVF&R crew was assisted by Dr. Cecile Coulon with Zephyr Equine and Dr. Cierra Dedeker and Shelby VanSlander with Peak Performance Equine PLLC.