A 21-year-old Shetland pony got stuck in a cattle grid after walkers left a gate open in the Welsh countryside. The pony, which was originally on private property, was able to wander around outside his normal constrains, leading him to reach the grid, which are often used in areas where livestock might graze in open pastures and between open fence lines, according to the Texas Farm Ranch Store. The horse, named Teifi, resides in Llangatwg, Powys, Wales. The rescue operation took a total of about four hours.
While cattle grids are used to "prevent livestock from crossing an enclosed piece of land to another area," according to the Farm Ranch Store, there are instances where an animal will attempt to cross and end up getting stuck, as in Teifi's case. The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service had crews from Crickhowell, Talgarth, and Pontardawe called to the scene of the incident.
Beth Watkins, the pony's owner, said Teifi is recovering well, adding that her pet is now “quite the local celebrity.” She “received a call from my friend to tell me Teifi had got himself stuck in [a] cattle grid … This is thanks to a walker who has the right to roam across private property but who decided to leave the farm gate open.”
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“While I support the right of walkers to walk safely across fields, why would anyone leave gates open?" she continued, adding, "The support we received was incredible. But this is the fire service and the time they had to spend with us might have been needed elsewhere.”
According to SWNS, a British news service, Beth commended those who helped to save her pony. “An amazing rescue! Thank you so much for saving Teifi. You were all fantastic.”
Social media users chimed in on the incident, many being very upset.
"I wish people would respect the countryside," one person commented. "Gates are there for a reason."
"I remember seeing a spooked horse break a leg in a cattle grid," someone wrote. "People need to know that carelessness can cost a life."
Another person added, "Let's hope the people who left the gate open see the consequences of their actions."
Other users expressed their gratitude for the recue services.
"Well done to the fire service for saving Teifi," one user commented.
"Lucky it wasn't north wales the fire service won't help at all," another person wrote. "Thank goodness they got him out ok."
Shetland ponies have a general average life expectancy of 20 to 30 years, though some might live longer. According to Agria Pet Insurance of the United Kingdom noted, “A fit and healthy Shetland can outlive larger horses by at least five years.”
