AN ELDERLY horse was rescued by firefighters after being trapped between a fence and excercise area.

The 32-year-old horse had collapsed near Nine Ashes Road, High Ongar yesterday morning shortly before 10am.

A spokesman for the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "On arrival, crews reported that the 32-year-old horse had collapsed and was trapped between an exercise area and fences.

"Firefighters worked together to move the horse - who weighed approximately 500 kgs - using a glide and were able to move it to a safe area.

"Crews then rotated the horse as it had been on its side for a prolonged time.

"The horse was unharmed and left in the care of its owner who had owned the horse for 28 years."