Crews rescued a horse that was stuck in a levy in Umatilla on Saturday, according to Marion County Fire Rescue.

  • Walter became 'spooked' and backed into the water
  • Rider was able to jump off the horse before he went into the water
  • Crews were able to pull Walter from the water; he had minor cuts and scrapes

Units received a call at 9:56 a.m. about a horse that was in distress near Sunny Hill Restoration on Southeast Highway 42.

When firefighters arrived they found the horse, Walter, trapped in the water.

The rider told officials that while horseback riding near Nelson’s Fish Camp, Walter was "spooked" and backed into the levy. The rider was able to jump off the horse as he started going into the water.

The MCFR Technical Rescue Team was called to assist.


(Courtesy: Marion County Fire Rescue)

Crews were able to place a harness on Walter, pulling him from the water. He suffered minor cuts and scrapes, but is expected to be OK, MCFR said.

No other injuries were reported.