P.A. family expressing gratitude to rescuers

“He grabbed my 17-year-old son and together they went out and tried to chop the ice away using a sledgehammer,” said Bernier.

Members of the RCMP arrived to assist, along with members of the Prince Albert Fire Department, Muskoday Fire Department, Park Range Vet Services, neighbours and Lakeland Towing.

“The tow truck was probably one of the most important parts of it because once they got there they were able to put big bands around the horses,” said Bernier.

Members of the fire department used chainsaws to cut away the ice.

Four horses were pulled from the water, but only three survived.

“The night it happened we thought for sure only one would survive, two of them were in such stress but luckily the two came around and they got up,” said Bernier.

All three horses have swelling on their legs and Bernier said it will take a while for them to recover.

Meanwhile, Bernier said her husband Dean is also having a tough time coping.

“He’s been doing this since he was 16, and so some of the horses are lineage, down from his Dad doing this, and it’s been a family business, Bernier Belgians,” said Bernier.

Bernier added the loss is even tougher when all the horses have names.

The surviving horses (Blaze, Fade, and Luna) are now keeping warm at a Quonset owned by friends of the Bernier family.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxell

P.A. family expressing gratitude to rescuers

What's Trending