A TRAPPED horse proved ‘neigh problem’ for expert firefighters to free after it got stuck in the partition of a van.

Archie, a four-year-old Irish Draught, was briefly trapped in his horsebox at Lower Fold Stables, in Northcote Road, Old Langho, on Friday afternoon.

But crews from Blackburn and Darwen fire stations were on hand to use specialist equipment to cut the excitable horse out.

His owners, Nicola and Mark Pilkington, looked on as vets from Clitheroe’s Mearley Veterinary Group sedated the animal.

Nicola, 44, said: “Inside the horsebox there is a partition in front of the horse’s chest. Archie got a little bit spooked as the wagon set off, pretty much jumped up and got stuck in this two feet by two feet partition.

“The firefighters and the vets were brilliant.

“He was sedated to make the fire team’s job a bit easier but he’s coming round now.

“He had a few staples put in for a cut above his eye.

“He’s not quite back to normal again but he is eating and feeling a bit sorry for himself.”

Chris Archer, crew manager at Blackburn fire station, said: “It’s a happy ending and it goes to show how versatile the fire and rescue service can be.”