Forklift Helps Filly Out of Canal Conundrum

No one knows how Riviera got stuck in the water, but firefighters came to her rescue

We're used to cars careening into canals here in South Florida.

But horses?

Around 2:30 p.m. Monday, a call came in from Riviera the horse's owner to report that Riviera had become partially submerged in the canal behind their home at 17900 block of SW 68th Court.

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue and Southwest Ranches volunteer firefighters responded and were able to pull the 19-year-old horse to safety.

According to a release sent by the Broward Sheriff's Office, the horse's body was floating in the water and her head was resting on the edge of the canal.

Due to arthritis and old age, Riviera was unable to stand up once firefighters placed straps around her to pull her out, so more straps were added and, with a little help from a forklift, Riviera, who didn't appear to have any injuries, was back on all fours.

No one knows what caused Riviera to venture close to or into the canal, we're just glad one of these wasn't there to greet her.
 

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