A HORSERIDER has thanked the emergency services and two good Samaritans who helped rescue her horse from a metal bridge.

Bethany Tutty was riding her horse, Rhys, in Roddymoor, near Crook, in August when he spooked and bolted.

Firefighters from Bishop Auckland, Crook and the Special Rescue Unit rushed to the scene, as well as a vet to help free Rhys.

Two bystanders also came to the aid of the teenager who was shocked by the incident.

Rhys, a nine-year-old Welsh Cob Cross Arab, eventually managed to free himself from the bridge but suffered injuries to his legs with a one back leg being cut so badly I went down to the bone.

Miss Tutty, 14, said: “It was terrifying, his back nearside leg was down to the bone and he suffered other superficial wounds to his other legs.”

However, Miss Tutty, of Willington, said Rhys has come on leaps and bounds since the incident and was enjoying lots of love and attention while he recovers.

The Parkside Academy pupil is also hoping to track down the two bystanders who she managed to flag down during the incident.

“I don’t think any of us expected him to be on his feet as quick – he’s doing fabulous,” she said. “I want to thank the emergency services but I’ve also been trying to find the two bystanders who helped to say thank you too.”

If you were one of the bystanders and want to get in touch with Miss Tutty, call Katie MacFarlane at The Northern Echo on 01388-660664.