BOWDOIN – A horse got into trouble when it tumbled into icy water while exploring the field behind its home, but there was a happy ending when firefighters pulled the struggling animal to safety.

Dagger fell through ice over a swampy area behind the barn Tuesday, according to his owner, Dick Rose. The water was unexpectedly deep; beavers apparently had dammed up the brook that runs through Rose’s property.

Dagger fell onto his side and was unable to right himself. Only his head remained above water.

Rose didn’t realize what had happened until he noticed Dagger was missing.

“I knew something was up when three came in and the fourth didn’t,” Rose said. “I said, ‘Uh-oh, where’s Dagger?”‘

Six firefighters were able to pull Dagger to safety using straps, ropes and sheer force.