Nicole Graham and her daughter were horseback riding on a beach in Geelong, Australia, when they found themselves in a life-or-death situation.

The rising tide trapped Nicole’s horse, Astro, in deep mud, putting him at risk of suffocation and drowning. After hours of struggle, rescue workers and a veterinarian arrived.

Despite the difficulty of the rescue, they tried everything, including sedating Astro and using a helicopter, but the mud was too soft.

Finally, a local farmer with a tractor came to help, and together, they pulled Astro out just in time. This story highlights the power of human-horse bonds and the importance of being cautious around the ocean.