Diane Bonilla

12News | azcentral.com

Mesa firefighters responded to an unusual rescue call Saturday.

A homeowner near Val Vista and University drives called at about 2:30 p.m. to report that his horse fell into his swimming pool. When firefighters arrived at the home, they found the horse in the shallow end of the pool.

Firefighters called a veterinarian, who tranquilized the horse, which was distressed by its predicament. Firefighters were able to keep the horse's head out of the water and then used a lift system to get it out of the pool.

The horse is doing fine, Mesa Fire Department Capt. Forrest Smith said.