A stallion's attempts to reach some mares in a nearby field came to an embarrassing halt when he got trapped on top of a gate.

The RSPCA said the horse had been desperate to reach his "neigh-bours" when he got stuck straddling the gate at Cliffe Pools RSPB reserve.

Firefighters winch a horse to safety

Walkers spotted the skewbald horse and contacted the RSPCA for help, who then called for assistance from Kent Fire and Rescue's specialist animal rescue unit.

Inspector Tina Nash, who went to the scene explained: “The horse, a stallion, was trying to get to the mares on the other side of the gate and obviously thought he could clear the 4ft gate. But it seems this lovely lad isn’t the greatest showjumper and got himself stuck halfway.

“If he’d have spent a little more time looking and investigating, he’d have realised that he could have walked along the fenceline a little further, he could have just trotted around to see his lady friends.”

Tina was concerned about how to free him without him injuring himself or panicking and injuring any of his rescuers so she called for assistance from Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

She added: “A wonderful crew fitted straps underneath and carefully winched him up and off of the gate and back onto all four hooves.”

The was given pain relief from a vet who was on the scene, and was later treated for some injuries is expected to make a full recovery.

A Kent Fire & Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called at around 2.41pm to rescue a horse on Mead Wall near Rochester on August 10.

"One fire engine, along with the animal rescue unit, was sent to the scene. Crews used specialist equipment to lift the horse off a metal gate.

“Animal rescue emergencies are as important as any other for Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

@The Animal Rescue Unit is made up of specially trained firefighters, who have a passion for helping all creatures great and small.”

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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