Anyone who’s been by the ocean knows how unpredictable it can be, especially with the tide. If you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, it can quickly turn dangerous. The rising tide can trap both humans and animals, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes. This is almost what happened to a horse named Astro.

Nicole Graham and her daughter were horseback riding on a beach near Geelong, Australia. The ground soon turned into soft, muddy terrain, and while Nicole helped her daughter and her horse escape, Astro got stuck. Within moments, he was neck-deep in mud, at risk of suffocation.

For three hours, Nicole stayed by Astro’s side, keeping him calm. A sedative was injected to help him manage his panic, but the tide was quickly rising. A helicopter couldn’t help as Astro was too deep in the mud. Rescue workers arrived, but their efforts seemed futile.

Then, a local farmer with a tractor came to the rescue. With combined efforts, they finally pulled Astro out. It was a miracle, and a reminder of the incredible bond between humans and animals, especially in moments of crisis.