Horse rescue

BBC photos tell the story of the Dutch horse rescue, a story which has been reported around the world.


The horses were stranded at a farm north of Amsterdam when the land around them flooded.


The nearest land was only a few hundred metres away but there were fears that submerged barbed wire might hurt the horses if they tried to swim to safety.


Animal welfare officers and firefighters waded through the waters to map out an escape route.


Four women from a local riding club then led the herd to safety.


The one horse that failed to follow the herd was eventually brought to safety, but collapsed and needed attention from veterinarians. It is expected to recover completely.