Two draft horses drown during demonstration

5/4/2001

LIMA, Ohio - Two Belgian draft horses that once marched in local parades drowned yesterday after part of a plow they were pulling snapped and struck one of the animals causing them to run into a pond at Ottawa Metro Park just east of here.

Linda Lape, who owns the horses with her husband, John, said the horses were harnessed together to plow a demonstration field at the park when the incident occurred. It was work the two had done in previous years.

Bath Township fire officials said the horses' driver attempted to get them out of the water, but was injured in his attempt.

Mrs. Lape said the 2,000-pound males thrashed around before drowning. A crane had to be used to remove the horses.