Distressing moment horse is rescued after falling into a Florida pond - before scaring its saviors by suddenly jumping up when it's out the water

An exhausted horse was rescued by a group of brave firefighters after it fell into a retention pond in Florida.

Deputies from Lacrosse Fire Rescue and Alachua County Fire Rescue received a call about the horse drowning on Tuesday.

The horse, named Dakota, is reportedly 15 years old and appeared exhausted when found, according to FOX35.

A video shared by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office captures the distressing moment, with firefighters holding the horse's head above the water while pulling it from the pond. 

An exhausted horse was rescued by a group of brave firefighters after it fell into a retention pond in Florida 

The horse, named Dakota, is reportedly 15 years old and appeared exhausted when found. A video shared by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office captures the distressing moment, with firefighters holding the horse's head above the water while pulling it from the pond

Two responders stabilized the horse and held its head above water, while the rest of the team coming up with a rescue plan

 Two responders stabilized the horse and held its head above water, while the rest of the team coming up with a rescue plan. 

The crews were able to create a harness out of a six-inch wide strap, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office said. 

'Once everyone was in position, they pulled the horse to safety using a forward assist technique,' the authorities wrote along sharing the video on Facebook. 

A board was placed under the horse to help the teams slide it out of the water onto the grass, the video shows. 

It laid on one side, recovering from the ordeal with a cloth over its eyes after being pulled out.   

At one point, Dakota the horse suddenly jolted up, which left the rescue teams startled.

'Once everyone was in position, they pulled the horse to safety using a forward assist technique,' the authorities wrote along sharing the video on Facebook

Other rescuers can be seen gently petting the horse on its head and back, trying to comfort the animal and help it calm down

It only took the 15-year-old horse a few seconds to regain strength, as it followed the rescuers and walked away from the pond.

'Let's get away from that water, buddy. There you go,' one person can be heard saying as he guided Dakota away.

Other rescuers can be seen gently petting the horse on its head and back, trying to comfort the animal and help it calm down. 

The crews cheered and clapped as the horse followed their direction, starting to walk normally. 

'The horse was reunited with its owner, and appeared to have no injuries,' the sheriff's office wrote. 

Residents have since taken to social media to express their gratitude, with one saying, 'Glad to see this horse back on dry land! Thanks to all involved!'