Firefighters free horse in Valley pool

A wandering horse named “Missy” found herself trapped inside a swimming pool Tuesday morning after yesterday’s strong winds knocked over its fencing, according to a Spokane Valley Fire Department news release. The homeowners woke up to find their neighbor’s horse inside their backyard pool in the 17600 block of East Montgomery Avenue, according to the release. They believe Missy got into their backyard last night and stepped right into the pool. Firefighters built steps so the horse could walk out of the shallow end, said assistant fire marshal Bill Clifford, who suspects the 15-year-old mare avoided drowning or hypothermia because her hooves tore through the winterized cover, draining the water. The horse’s owners stood by to keep Missy calm while firefighters worked to free her. She reportedly only suffered minor injuries. The owners led their horse back to her stable for food, water and, of course, some rest.