AN Edge End family wants to thank rescuers after a terrifying incident on a trip to pick up a pony.
The Lloyd family picked up Velvet at an animal rescue centre near Brockweir and family friend Derek Hockey started to drive the animal to its new new home using his Land Rover and trailer.
Mr Hockey told The Review he 'felt a few minor movements', first when he turned to negotiate Brockweir bridge and then at the turn on the other side – otherwise, things were going well.
"I was driving slowly and carefully because I knew the horse had come from a rescue centre, and thought it might not have travelled in a trailer much before," he said.
Mandy and David Lloyd were travelling in separate vehicles while their daughter Charlotte rode with Derek in the Land Rover.
But when they neared Edge End a check revealed that Velvet had managed to climb over the restraining chest bar at the front of the trailer and was dangling from it, head on the floor, by one trapped leg.
"Luckily, I had the Monmouth vet on the speed dial on my mobile phone and I hit it immediately," said Derek.
They alerted the Coleford vet and the Coleford Fire Service, who were quickly on the scene.
David Lloyd said: "She was so frightened she was thrashing about making the situation much worse."
Vet Zoe Nicholson sedated Velvet and the fire crew cut her free. Another appliance was called from Gloucester and after Velvet had been driven, still in the trailer, to her new quarters, they used a hydraulic winch to lift her into her stable.
The Lloyds and Mr Hockey were full of praise for the actions of the vet and the fire service.
"We were all very impressed with their sensitivity, professionalism and good humour," said Mr Lloyd.
"We would like to thank all of them for everything they did for us."
Velvet is making a speedy recovery and is settling into her new home with companion Topaz.