Horse, Mule Fall Through Ice

SWAN VALLEY - During the afternoon of Jan. 31, Swan Valley resident Tony Hulett thought his horse Trav and mule Mitzy would surely die. They both fell through the thin ice after following an elk trail to the confluence of Meadow Creek and Alder Creek that flow into a pond on his property. With help from neighbors and the Swan Valley and Swan Lake Volunteer Fire Departments, they were able to rescue both animals.

"Just the horse's head was showing above the ice but the mule had his front legs out on the ice because he had struggled so hard." said Hulett.

According to Hulett, he, his brother and two friends put a rope into the water and around the hindquarters of the horse and pulled on the rope. The horse still had enough energy to lunge and it bolted out on the ice.

The ice [on the pond] didn't break even though a 1,200 pound horse landed on it," said Hulett.

"The mule was completely exhausted," said Hulett. "We needed more man power to help the mule."

Hulett put a call into 911 for more help. According to Hulett, the call was dispatched to the Swan Lake Fire Department instead of the Swan Valley Department even though he told them where he was located. Swan Valley Fire Chief Randy Williams told Hulett he never received a dispatch call but came after Hulett called him personally.

When help arrived from both Swan Valley and Swan Lake they attached a halter on the mule's head and a rope around his hindquarters and were able to pull him onto the ice. "The mule couldn't help at all and wasn't able to stand when he came out on the ice."

The mule finally stood with help and both animals were taken inside the barn, rubbed down and fed oats. "They are fine now except for a small cut on the mule's leg " said Hulett, "Thanks to everyone for all the help I got."