Teen Kayakers Rescue Baby Horse From Rushing River In Alberta

July 29, 2025

What started as a peaceful paddle down Alberta’s Kananaskis River quickly turned into an unforgettable act of bravery for teens Ava Haddad and Anna Gleig.

Credit: Anna Gleig | CBC News: The National

While kayaking together, the two friends spotted a group of horses near the water.

“We first saw the horses and we were all excited,” Gleig recalled.

But that excitement quickly turned to concern when they noticed a foal struggling in the fast-moving current.

“It was making a lot of distress noises,” Haddad said.

Credit: Anna Gleig | CBC News: The National

Thinking fast, Gleig grabbed hold of the frightened animal while Haddad paddled the kayak to shore.

“He didn’t fight back against us,” Haddad recounted to CBS News. “He just let us take him, so that worked out really well.”

Once safely out of the river, they waited, hoping the herd would return — but it didn’t.

Not wanting to leave the young horse behind, the girls made a bold decision: they would take him with them.

“I ended up putting my life-jacket on him and picking him up and putting him in the boat with us. And miraculously, somehow he was calm enough, and was okay with being in the boat,” Gleig said. “He took a little nap there because he was just so tired.”

Credit: Anna Gleig | CBC News: The National

Thanks to help from the local First Nations group, a truck was sent to pick up the foal and reunite him with his herd.

"It's good to know that this horse has a second chance at life," Haddad said.

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