Miniature horse named ‘Butter’ rescued from well in Riverside County

Firefighters and animal services crewmembers teamed up on Friday to save a miniature horse that had crashed through and fallen into a plywood-covered well in Riverside County.

The 350-pound horse, named Butter, reportedly fell about 15 feet into a well that was actually 60 feet in depth after water was siphoned.

Rescuers initially feared such a drop would have killed or severely injured the mare.

However, Riverside County Animal Services announced Monday that 12-year-old Butter is “doing great” in her recovery.

Firefighters from CAL FIRE and Riverside County Fire, alongside officers and veterinary staff from local animal services agencies, first responded to the call in the unincorporated area of Warm Springs on Friday afternoon.

Rescue efforts lasted until about 10 p.m.

The agency said firefighters wrapped Butter in an Anderson sling and safely hoisted her up using a front-loader. “Butter was sedated prior to takeoff,” Animal Services noted.

When Butter eventually reached the surface, veterinary colleagues dried her off and wrapped her with a heavy blanket.

An on-scene veterinarian named Dr. Itzel Vizcarra treated Butter’s wounds and injected pain medication. Although the horse didn’t appear to have any serious injuries, Dr. Vizcarra said she was concerned about the possibility of hypothermia.

“She was visibly shaking while still strapped,” said Dr. Vizcarra of Riverside County Animal Services. “It’s astounding that she walked away fine the same day.”

Butter was returned to her owner, who later took her to his own veterinarian for a follow-up examination.

Animal Services said an officer checked in on Butter in the following days, and reported that the miniature horse appears to be doing great.

“We were all amazed she came out without any major trauma,” said Dr. Vizcarra. “This was a huge team effort by many rescuers, so it’s uplifting to learn Butter will be okay.”