Rescued Clydesdale And Trainer Meet Heroes Who Saved Them

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — A Clydesdale horse named Daniel was reunited Saturday with firefighters that rescued him and his trainer from a ravine in Castro Valley last summer, according to Alameda County fire officials.

During an evening ride on June 15, the 2,200-pound equine accidentally stepped off a single-track trail and lost his balance sending him and his trainer, Leah Feliz, down a steep ravine. Fire officials said Daniel was initially trapped in the trees, with Leah being stuck on the rocks below. Both were seriously injured.

In a statement from East Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, President Allison Lindquist said Leah was quickly rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment, while firefighters worked for over five hours to safely remove Daniel from the tree.

After a second rescue, Daniel was eventually taken to the University of California at Davis Large Animal Veterinary Hospital for assessment and treatment.

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Daniel and Leah met with their rescuers Saturday at Rancho De Los Amigos Ranch located at 12350 Cull Canyon Rd., where Daniel calls home.

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Fire officials said both he and Leah are doing well.

— Bay City News; Image via Alameda County Fire Department