Rescuers who battled through thick ice to haul a pet horse to safety after she had plunged into a frozen lake was showered with praise by her relieved owner today.
Fire and Rescue crews cut a 20-metre path through thick ice to rescue Tempest , a 17-year-old grey mare who had been grazing on fields in Rhosneigr, North Wales, before wandering onto the lake on Boxing Day.
Temmy, as she is affectionately known, crashed through the ice, sparking a dramatic hour-long rescue as she struggled to keep her head above water.
Rescuers cut their way through the thick ice to reach Temmy as she stuggles to keep her head out of the water
A path is finally cut through the ice to reach Temmy and the rescue team begin the difficult task of coaxing her back to dry land
A 20-strong team from Rhosneigr, Bangor and Colwyn Bay, including a water incident unit and an animal rescue crew, raced to the scene and used axes to hack through the ice and pull the 17-year-old horse to safety .
Mona Summerfield, owner of the Ty Hen holiday park in Anglesey, said: 'I was unable to show my thanks to the fire crew because once Temmy was out of the water she slipped her harness and ran off.
'I had to run after her with the animal rescue team to catch and calm Temmy. We then went straight to the stable with the vet.
'I just want to say thank you to the team for all their hard work and professionalism. I would also like to thank Jane Honey who lead the rescue, and the many locals that helped, especially the lady and her daughter from Llanfaelog who raised the alarm.'
Ms Summerfield said: 'Luckily the women were walking around the lake and raised the alarm with our neighbours who told my son, John.'
Temmy wades from the frozen lake looking none the worse for wear following her dramatic rescue
He called the fire service, but while they were waiting some of the family and a few locals made their own attempt to rescue her, while her owner ventured out on to the ice to comfort the horse.
When the fire crews arrived they were 'firmly but politely' told to get off the ice, while the professionals took over.
Temmy emerged from her icy encounter almost completely unharmed.
'While she was in there she kept moving and her ears were up so we were cautiously optimistic,' Ms Summerfield said.
'Considering the amount of time she spent treading water in the lake, she seems completely nonplussed. We were all more upset than she was'
After a good rub down and some extra tender loving care, the horse is now back out grazing in her favourite field ... and the lake has melted.
