A HAMPSHIRE vet has told how rescuers beat the odds to save a 24-year-old horse who was trapped in a water-filled ditch.

Ludovica Bellazzi, known as Ludo, feared the worst when she arrived at the scene near Cadnam to find Hector cold, distressed and unable to move.

She saved his life with the aid of animal rescue specialists from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Ludo, who works for Seadown Veterinary Services in Hythe, said she was shocked when she first saw how deep the ditch was.

"Fortunately Hector’s head was above the water line but we had no idea for how long his body had been submerged," she said.

"Tragically it looked as if it was not going to be a viable rescue, especially given Hector’s age. It was a dreadful and horrific situation for his poor owner.

"Wearing all the usual safety gear I climbed down a ladder into the ditch to assess him.

"He was alert and responsive but very weak. I gave him small doses of sedation whilst the rescue crew worked around us, cutting back brambles so we could work more easily."

Hector was gently lifted out of the ditch and lowered on to neighbouring grass, where he was given fluids to aid his recovery.

Ludo added: "As he came round we kept him on the ground so he could regain his strength. It was wonderful to see him eating the grass but he was too weak to stand so we used a tractor to help him to his feet."

Hector is owned by Sarah Hawkins, of Old Shirley, Southampton, who described the moment she found him trapped.

She said: "My heart dropped to my boots. I came out in goosebumps and I think I started crying.

"I managed to call the fire service and Seadown and then texted my neighbour, Stacey Jury, who dropped everything and took the day off work to come and help.

"All in all the rescue process took about four very stressful hours.

"Although it was touch and go at one point, I'm so grateful to Ludo who was cool, calm and collected, and to the animal rescue section of the fire service who were outstanding.

"I’d also like to thank Stacey and another neighbour, Deborah Hood, who let me put Hector in her field for three days while he got over his ordeal.

"He has recovered really well and has amazed me with his resilience."