When a horse was found trapped and partially submerged in a frozen Lehman Creek near the resort village of Cochin in January, the scene prompted a small‑town rescue that could have ended very differently. Seven months on, the animal known as Frosty is recovering and living with a new family on a local farm.
How the rescue unfolded
Village officials and neighbours raced to help after someone discovered the horse in the creek between Jackfish Lake and Murray Lake. Cochin’s mayor, Mark Pattinson, and his friend Ed Scott managed to haul the animal to safety.
“We were very close to getting the RCMP officer to take his life, but we gave it a few more seconds and he scrambled himself to his feet and just started walking.”
The moment captured the precariousness of the situation: Frosty emerged alive but badly injured and in urgent need of care.
Community steps in
Frosty’s previous owner had died, leaving the horse without a caretaker. After the rescue, Pattinson began contacting local horse owners to find someone who could help. Most turned away, until farmer Leslie‑Ann Smith agreed to take him in.
Smith and others coordinated Frosty’s initial care and, over the subsequent months, oversaw treatments and rehabilitation. Local residents and horse‑lovers across the country also offered support as the animal recovered.
Progress and new beginnings
According to accounts from those involved, Frosty has made steady progress. While he arrived with major injuries and needed long months of treatment and recovery, he is now settling into life on his new farm and adjusting to a new family.
- Rescue location: Lehman Creek near Cochin (between Jackfish Lake and Murray Lake)
- Initial rescuers: Cochin mayor Mark Pattinson and Ed Scott
- New caregiver/adopter: Leslie‑Ann Smith
- Condition: Survived after being partially submerged in ice; required extensive treatment and recovery
Timeline
| Month | Event |
|---|---|
| January | Horse found partially submerged in frozen Lehman Creek; rescued by Pattinson and Scott |
| Following weeks | Initial care and calls for a new home; Leslie‑Ann Smith accepts responsibility |
| Seven months later | Frosty living and recovering on a new farm with a new family |
Why the story resonated
Small communities on the Saskatchewan prairies are built on neighbourliness and practical responses to urgent problems. This rescue brought together municipal officials, private citizens and animal‑care supporters in a rapid, hands‑on response. That practical ethic — people stepping up when an animal is in need — is familiar in towns where horses and livestock remain part of daily life.
Frosty’s situation also underscores the risks animals face in winter: thin ice, cold water and remote locations can conspire to put livestock and pets in peril. The decision by those on the scene to persevere rather than immediately end the animal’s suffering proved decisive for his survival.
Practical takeaways for owners
While every situation is different, local experts and experienced owners advise preparedness, particularly in winter months:
- Know who to call in an emergency: municipal contacts, local vets and rescue volunteers.
- Keep horses and livestock away from waterways when ice conditions are uncertain.
- Have a plan for moving or sheltering animals quickly during severe weather.
Frosty’s story is a reminder of both the vulnerability of animals in extreme conditions and the willingness of prairie communities to rally when help is needed. With dedicated care and a new home, the horse that nearly lost his life in a frozen creek has gotten a second chance.
