This horse survived a near death experience after sinking in quicksand-like mud

At Avalon Beach in Geelong, Australia, Nicole Graham was walking by the beach with her horse, when he suddenly started sinking into the mud. She described it as being 'like quicksand.' Since he was stuck up to his neck and the tide was rising, Nicole was afraid that he would drown.

Stuck in the mud

As 18 year-old Astro weighed nearly 500 kg, she was totally helpless and unable to lift him out. She stayed by his side for 3 hours waiting for help.

Graham was with her daughter Paris, whose smaller horse also became trapped before her mother could warn her. Graham had to drag herself to go help her daughterand the other horse get out of the thick mud. She could not help Astro however, and her efforts only made him sink deeper in.

Fighting for his life

Thankfully, Astro could count on not just the dedication of his beloved owner, but also of the kindness of several good samaritans who happened to be passing by. Paris had also run to the car to phone for help, while Graham stayed with Astro.

She said:

it was terrifying. It was also heartbreaking to see my horse exhausted and struggling. We went straight down and under. There was mud everywhere and every time I moved it sucked me back down. It wouldn’t let us go.

Check out our video above to see images of this dramatic rescue!