A powerful example of rapid police response and neighborly teamwork played out in Saratoga Springs, New York, when a 22-year-old horse named Sly fell through the ice on a local pond. Bodycam footage from the Saratoga Springs Police Department shows the dramatic rescue, where officers and neighbors worked together to pull the 1,300-pound quarter horse from the freezing water.

The emergency police response began when Officer Kyle Clinton arrived first on the scene, joining Sly’s owner, Ali Ernst, who had tried to keep Sly’s head above water. Clinton and others—including more officers, neighbors, and family, worked in unison, calling out, “One, two three, pull!” and “C’mon, baby. We got ya!” as they struggled to free the horse.

"I was losing the battle to keep him above water alone," Ernst said. "I threw all the rope in the hole and just started pulling it back in sheer hopes that I caught a hind leg, and I did, and we all just started to pull."

Crisis Management in Law Enforcement and Community

The successful icy pond rescue was only possible through swift action and crisis management in law enforcement. The emergency response police didn’t hesitate, embodying the best of crisis management police principles by coordinating with neighbors and responding quickly to the emergency.

A group of nine, including officers from the Saratoga Springs Police and local community members, worked together as an emergency response team police unit. Their swift police response ensured that Sly, who was hypothermic, was freed within minutes and soon able to stand on his own.

After the animal rescue police succeeded, Sly was taken to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for recovery, where his owner works as a technician. Thanks to the animal rescue New York community, Sly made a full recovery and returned home just days later.

Why These Animal Rescue Stories Matter

This story is a reminder that heroes wear many uniforms. Whether it’s New York police, animal control, or caring neighbors, responding to emergencies with teamwork and heart can save lives—animal and human alike.

To discover more uplifting stories of police, explore our Acts of Heroism page. For more about the values guiding first responders, visit our Education page.

References

• New York police save horse from icy pond in dramatic rescue - Fox News (by Louis Casiano)

• Image Source - Saratoga Springs Police via AP

• Video Source - WKYC Channel 3