JAMUL, Calif. — A horse that fell in a ravine Sunday in Jamul had to wait more than 18 hours for rescue.
Cal Fire San Diego officials received reports around 6:17 p.m. on April 16 that a horseback rider and their horse had fallen into a ravine in Hollenbeck Canyon near Honey Springs Road in the Jamul area.
"We are all gut-wrenched as friends and neighbors of the family, and I know how much they love their horse. This is devastating for them," said horseback rider Mandy Morrell who was riding with the horse owners Sunday afternoon.
The 8-year-old horse named "Dobby" is finally back with its owners after falling down a 100-foot embankment into a ravine. The young woman riding Dobby says he tripped on a rock and fell while she and three others rode horseback.
"He just fell, and it was really sad and hard on me. I screamed, and I cried. People were able to help me out and comfort me. It was just a lot of emotion," said one of the horse owners who wished to remain anonymous.
She says she jumped off her horse to safety without injuries while her Mom and Aunt used their helmet padding as a tourniquet to stop the horse from bleeding.
"When I first found him, blood was spewing out. So, I took some helmet padding and my shirt and made a tourniquet until help got there," said horse owner Marisa Reber.
Sunday night, San Diego Humane Society tweeted pictures. Eight members of their emergency response team assisted Cal Fire San Diego and San Diego County Animal Services in providing a blanket and food for Dobby.
At first, crews planned for a helicopter rescue to save Dobby Monday morning, but Cal Fire San Diego says they had to move to an alternative plan due to weather and mechanical issues.
"Dobby has been there since 3:30 yesterday afternoon. The plan keeps changing. There were mechanical and training issues and a lack of approval to pay Orange County since San Diego wasn't capable or prepared," said Morrell.
"This is difficult because of the weather, steep terrain, and unstable terrain. We're going to get a good plan and get the horse as soon as we can," said Cal Fire San Diego's Fire Captain Brent Pascua.
Finally, at noon Monday, crews could walk Dobby to safety and bandage up his leg injuries.
An equine vet at the scene says Dobby has a 60-70% chance of survival. He has an open joint and severe injury and will need surgery with multiple follow-up procedures.
The family is praying for the best.
"A 60-70% chance is still a chance. We are hopeful. He is so special to us," said Reber.
To donate to Dobby's medical expenses, click here.
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