Coastguard officers come to rescue of loose horse Maverick on the beach near St Annes

Lytham Coastguard came to the rescue of a horse which was loose on the beach north of St Annes after becoming separated from its owner.

A Coastguard spokesperson said that when the call came through, the horse, called Maverick, was heading towards Blackpool and it was understood the owner was okay, but not with the horse.

“We sent most of our team to Starr Gate to ensure the horse didn't come off the beach and head towards the road, while other members waited by the Coastguard Rescue Station to meet with the owner,” said the spokesperson.

“The owner was located and they explained it was the horse’s first time on a beach. They were walking him without a rider initially to get used to everything while they waited for their other horse friends to join them.

“That was when Maverick decided he loved the beach so much he wanted to explore it even more, and broke free of the restraints he had.

“While our coastguard rescue officers at Starr Gate had eyes on the horse who was being guided away from the potential exit point by members of the public, Fylde Ranger Service kindly gave the owner a lift along the beach to meet with the horse.

“After a few Polo mints, Maverick, owner and little brother Dachshund, walked back to wait for their friends (and have some loving from our Coastguard Rescue Officers.

“While this tasking was going on, we also provided first aid assistance to a casualty who had suffered a fall on the road by Starr Gate.

“They were then passed onto our colleagues from North West Ambulance Service.

“We're very glad Maverick enjoyed the beach, but next time, we suggest staying with his owner. Maybe this is a sign we should start carrying Polos in the Coastguard Rescue vehicles.”