Imagine a Maryland highway transforming into a scene straight out of a movie, with a teenage girl on horseback heroically chasing a runaway horse amidst bustling traffic.
This isn’t a Hollywood script; it’s a real-life event that’s captured the internet’s attention, with videos of the chase being shared thousands of times and rapidly going viral.
Forget the Kentucky Derby; this is a horse race of a different kind.
Over the weekend, state highway 170 turned into an impromptu racetrack when a thoroughbred named Ice, having escaped its halter at a nearby competition, decided to take a wild dash for freedom.
In her wild dash, she found herself on a busy highway, one of the most dangerous places she could find herself in.
“She was coming close to these cars. I mean, it was one little nick and those horse’s legs and everything can be really, really bad. But there just wasn’t enough time to think about that in the moment,” recounted Caroline Shoults, the brave 16-year-old who, along with her 4-year-old rescued mare, Tink, set out to resolve this unusual yet serious situation.
For Caroline, fear was not an option.
“There wasn’t time to be scared. There’s only time to get that horse, and I sure was not stopping until that horse was safe,” she declared.
Her determination was clear; she was not just horsing around.
The chase began while Caroline was participating in a competition.
She noticed the runaway horse and, without hesitation, joined the pursuit.
She credits Tink, her trusty mare, for playing a significant role in tiring out Ice, who could have easily outrun them.
Witnesses were in awe of the scene.
“The girl on this horse in front of us deserves a freaking award!” exclaimed one onlooker. The group, initially at the horse show to support another rider, found themselves part of an unexpected adventure, aiding Caroline by using their cars to block traffic near BWI Airport.
Jeanette Newland, another participant in this impromptu rescue mission, described their strategy: “We were pretty much keeping an even pace. I went over there to keep the horse from going on the highway.”
Their efforts were complicated when an officer arrived, leading to concerns that the additional noise might worsen the situation.
In a turn of events worthy of a movie climax, Ice eventually decided to end the chase, thankfully without any injuries.
This extraordinary incident has become more than just a sensational story; it’s a moment to highlight a meaningful message.
“We’re hoping to bring light to horses, rescue horses and give her the recognition she deserves — and teamwork,” Newland said, emphasizing the importance of their cause.
Caroline, reflecting on the ordeal, expressed her gratitude towards Tink: “I would not have been able to do it on any other horse.”
In this tale of courage and quick thinking, a special horse and a determined girl showed the world the power of bravery and teamwork.
To watch the harrowing rescue as it unfolds watch the video below.
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