Passers-by have called the emergency services four times to tell the fire brigade that a horse needs help. Each time it turned out that Mayflower, a cross-breed between a Shetland and a New Forest pony described as "a sausage-dog horse," was just grazing on its favorite spot.
Anton Phillips, an animal rescue specialist for the local fire service, said the short-legged Mayflower is half the height of the ponies grazing nearby, and from a long distance it would really seem the horse is stuck in salt marshes.
"We have been called out several times for the animal now and it is getting a bit ridiculous," he said. "These calls from the public are with good intent. When viewed at long range, this pony looks like it is trapped."
The pony owner is said to be intending to set special signs around the place to inform passers-by that the animal is not in danger.
