It seems this season gives many horses a sinking feeling. Whether sinkholes or mud, early spring is always a busy time for large animal rescue teams.

Rescuers in Woodbine, Md., worked for more than five hours yesterday afternoon to extricate a 30-year-old Appaloosa from a 12-foot-deep sinkhole, WJLA reported. A public information officer told The Frederick News Post the horse landed under an unstable ledge of dirt but did not panic.

Two Advanced Technical Rescue teams worked with alongside firefighters to dig a ditch around the horse, supported by boards to prevent further collapse. A vet entered the sinkhole to administer IV fluids and offer the horse warm water. Days End Farm Horse Rescue and Animal Control were also on the scene.

The rescue team then put a glide under the horse and attached it to a harness. Firefighters anchored off a large tree and used a system of cables to pull the horse out by hand