Shallimah reaches shore

A horse sparked a rescue operation after bolting in shallow water and swimming half a mile out to sea.

The nag - called Shallimah - threw off its female rider as it was paddling near the Sandwich Bay Estate yesterday.

The woman tried to stop it and swam after her horse but quickly realised she had no hope and had to turn back.

Dover Coastguard then received a series of 999 calls at around 3.50pm reporting a rider and a horse in difficulties in the sea off Sandwich Bay Sailing Club.

Walmer Inshore Lifeboat was launched and reached the scene in 15 minutes.

Shallimah was starting to tire but the crew managed to attach a line to its bridle.

They then coaxed it back towards the shore to be reunited it with its owner.

Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and chairman of the RNLI, Admiral the Lord Boyce was amongst the onlookers watching from the beach.

He had been enjoying a cycling trip out from his official residence at Walmer Castle when he came across his local crew in action.

Walmer lifeboat helmsman Andrew Howland said: "This was one of the most unusual and most satisfying rescues I’ve carried out whilst a lifeboat crew member.

"Leading a horse to water is one thing but persuading it to come out again is a completely different issue."