Blazing horsebox rescue (From Gazette & Herald)

Blazing horsebox rescue

2:01pm Wednesday 24th June 2009

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TWO showjumpers have been hailed as heroes after saving a pony from a burning horsebox on the A1(M).

Scott Brash and Roger McCrea were travelling from Edinburgh to Allerton Park , Whixley, for the British Showjumping Association Area 15 show.

A small horsebox travelling three cars in front of the riders ground to a halt near Thirsk as smoke began to pour from the engine.

“The driver was panicking, trying to put the fire out with a tiny extinguisher, so we jumped out and ran to help,” said Scott.

The van was parked so close to the barrier that the ramp would not open. “We tried to pull it forward with a rope, but the handbrake was on,” said Scott. “I pulled the pony off and Roger jumped in behind to scare it. Luckily it jumped down just before the lorry was completely engulfed.”

Roger added: “It all happened very quickly. Anyone in their right mind would have done the same — we couldn’t leave the pony on the lorry.”

With the motorway closed for an hour and a half, many riders were delayed, but show officials ensured that everyone had enough time to warm up sufficiently before the competition.

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