A Storm Trapped 100 Horses On An Island. What 7 Brave Women Did To Save Them Is Amazing

November 11, 2015

The Great Netherlands Horse Rescue made news all around the world in 2006. A fierce storm left a group of 100 horses marooned on a lowland knoll.

brave women save horses from island netherlands

The horses were trapped for three days and grew weak. They could do nothing but hope for a miracle.

brave women save horses from island netherlands

Rescue attempts were made but ultimately failed. Then, someone posted on a horse forum seeking experienced riders with horses without fear of water. Several women responded to the post, and they met the following day.

Meet Norma Miedema - the unsung hero of the rescue. She refused to give up and was the first to contact the authorities.

brave women save horses from island netherlands

Several women on horseback guided the animals back to safety 650 yards away, and the entire herd — except one horse — followed without hesitation. Norma, who ended up suffering from pneumonia, remained on-site the day of the rescue to help transport the horses.

brave women save horses from island netherlands

The six women who rode that day were honored by their government for their bravery and courage. They risked their lives, riding into freezing flood waters and hazardous territory.

brave women save horses from island netherlands

This was the last remaining horse being attended to by veterinarians as is approached the shore.

brave women save horses from island netherlands

The horses and their heroes were later commemorated for the bravery in Marrum, Netherlands — complete with horse hoof decorations and a symbol of the Friesland flag.

brave women save horses from island netherlands