Horse returns home after flood rescue in Marengo after storms

MARENGO, Ill. - A horse who was rescued from floodwaters in unincorporated Marengo on Saturday has returned home.

Officials said he was swept away by floodwaters and left stranded overnight in deep, cold water until he was spotted. 

What we know:

Firefighters and Marengo sheriff's deputies arrived in the 22900 block of Anthony Road in the early morning for reports of an animal water rescue. They found the horse, named Troy, standing in floodwaters about 600 feet from the nearest shore. 

According to officials, Coon Creek overflowed due to the recent storms. Officials believe Troy had been swept away overnight, and with cold water temperatures and it being unclear how long he had been in the water, officials went to work.

"The hardest part was you could see him… didn’t look too far but it was inaccessible. The water was murky, deep and had a strong current," said owner Ashley Beaulieu.

An initial team used a boat to reach the horse, while additional crew, including a veterinarian, waded from the shore to the creek. The boat crew brought the vet to a small peninsula where Troy stood. According to the vet, he was suffering from significant hypothermia.

An additional crew was brought in to guide the horse through the about 15-feet-deep water. They then moved Troy to a nearby roadway. 

One first responder was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated for cold exposure, according to officials. 

"I was pleasantly surprised when I got there. He was perky, his ears were up and lungs were clear. I don’t know how he did it overnight, but his lungs sounded fantastic," said Dr. Nicky Wessel with Cutting Edge Equine Veterinary.

The rescue lasted nearly 11 hours with the help of about 45 first responders, including fire crews, water rescue teams, veterinarians and neighbors.

"He’s a very smart horse. I can’t believe he stuck through all that being hungry and cold, but he fought for his life and is doing amazing," Beaulieu said.

The horse was transported to a veterinary facility for continued care.

What they're saying:

"It was a challenging and time-sensitive rescue, but we are pleased with the outcome," said Chief John Kimmel. "Floodwaters can be unpredictable and dangerous for both people and animals. We appreciate the coordinated efforts of all personnel who assisted with bringing this incident to a successful conclusion."

What's next:

Troy is now back home and in good health.