Rescue of 200 horses by 7 women in 2006 ( Netherland )

The biggest horse story that came out of The Netherlands in 2006 was the amazing tale of the Great Netherlands Horse Rescue. A group of about 100 horses were stranded on a small piece of land when the waters rose unexpectedly after a fierce storm. The horses were stranded for three days on a tiny sliver of land. Firemen and animal welfare officers brought the horses food and water to keep up their strength. As wind and icy rain blasted the horses, they huddled together with their rear ends facing the wind. Finally on the third day, the great rescue was made.
There were 7 woman critical to the rescue ! One woman risked her life cutting fence in neck high water and contacting authorities has never been recognized Norma Miedema. Then there were the 6 women (ages 19-40) who rode that day and were honored by their government for their bravery and courage for riding into frigid flood waters that had hidden ditches, strewn with broken fencing and other hazards.
Norma Miedema the first responder.
The riders' and horses' names are :
Susan Fransen riding Blizzard, Micky Nijboer riding Berber, Antje Dijkstra riding Humphrey, Hinke Lap riding Guinever, Christina Stormer riding Perfeft and Fardow de Rueter riding King.
The Riders came on the third day as again the waters were due to rise with the next storm. This next storm would be the horses end. The horses caught by the flooding were weakening and many were showing signs of giving up. The nature of the horse herd kept them from trying to save themselves.
For three days the media broadcasted the unsuccessful attempts to rescue them. Then a posting appeared on the Friesian horse forum, by Micky Nijboer: "horses and riders sought.....Only experienced riders with horses without fear of water" could try the idea of leading them off the small mound of land. They would meet the next day and the video is what they accomplished by risking themselves and their horses.
here's a link of this amazing story: www.readersdigest.com.au/horse...

[@marymasters3960]

The courage and determination of those women, Norma, the first responders, and the women of the riding club and their horses are a shining beacon to us all. They did knew what had to be done and did it! Just wonderful 👍.

[@powerofone1645]

Norma Miedema did it like a boss. And well done to: Susan Fransen riding Blizzard, Micky Nijboer riding Berber, Antje Dijkstra riding Humphrey, Hinke Lap riding Guinever, Christina Stormer riding Perfeft and Fardow de Rueter riding King.

[@davidsmith663]

Nice to see the western horses there. Well done to all.

[@lydiasinclair1126]

Women never cease to surprise me. All for the love of an animal. Absolutely beautiful.

[@mikkimik6681]

Thank you for naming the horses that the women were riding too! They are heroes too! I to cried watching this.

[@lindastorey6685]

I daw this at the time of that flood and it proves without a doubt ,That if you want something done leave it to the women.Bless every single one of those ladies🐎🐎

[@doristhomson3082]

Here it is-2018, and this is the first time I have heard this amazing story./ Tears are running down my face as I watch this video. This should have been broadcast world wide. What an amazing effort by all involved, especially the 7 women and their horses/. To think they may have been the last hope for these 200 horses!!!! God bless everyone involved.

[@bluezauza]

I remember this at the time, it was allover the news in Europe. I found some explanation in some other videos and I tried to gather it all here as best as possible: A huge storm ended in a huge flood and the horses were trapped in lower grounds surrounded by fences and barbed wire, and while trying to escape some of them were injured or trapped by the barbed wire. The nature of the horse herd kept them from trying to save themselves, they stuck together instead of trying to swim away on their own. .Norma Miedema was the first responder. The waters were rising she was on her way home to her own animals as the horror would begin in Marrum. Norma Miedema was the one who contacted authorities of Marrum the evening of Tuesday, October 31, 2006 During the first 2 days she fought to get the horses fresh water so they would not drink the salt water. She held sickened horses as they died. She would not relent on the authorities. She fought authorities to think outside the box. She offered to ride her own horse to lead the stranded but they had "better ideas" even if they all failed. So she began the rescue before the authorities could mobilize knowing there would not be time. She held a drowning foal in her arms as it died the first day, trapped by the wire under the water. She was one woman, 40 years old trying to save those she could waiting for help. She waded into the frigid water neck deep to cut the barb wire with bolt cutters to allow the horses to escape to higher ground. Norma exhausted and becoming ill (eventually pneumonia) was still there on the day of the ride out with her trailer to help transport them on her third day of hell. She is an unknown and unsung hero, quiet and modest, a loner who stays to herself. For three days the media broadcasted the unsuccessful attempts to rescue them. Norma was ignored .Then a posting appeared on the Friesian horse forum, by Micky Nijboer: "horses and riders sought.....Only experienced riders with horses without fear of water" could try the idea of leading them off the small mound of land. Women from the local riding club got sick of the authorities, they banded together and told them they would ride out. Finally with the international press taking the story and the authorities failed efforts, November 3rd , 2006 the other riders came on the scene, and because the world was watching the authorities had no more excuses to ignore Norma and the other women and were forced to accept it. Again the waters were due to rise with the next storm. This next storm would be the horses end. The horses caught by the flooding were weakening and many were showing signs of giving up. Norma became an embarrassment. to authorities and a hero to animal lovers. The fallen horse sadly didn't make it and died two days later.

[@gailresources3970]

Doris Thomson Me too. Who are these amazing women?

[@jescorreia7679]

That goes to show you that "authorities" are useless

[@bluezauza]

Norma Miedema the first responder. The riders' and horses' names are : Susan Fransen riding Blizzard, Micky Nijboer riding Berber, Antje Dijkstra riding Humphrey, Hinke Lap riding Guinever, Christina Stormer riding Perfeft and Fardow de Rueter riding King. The first one Norma is a local woman who is very active in protecting animal life, the other women are women from the local ridding club.

[@tgooding]

Doris Thomson good things happen every day; the news just likes to report the bad stuff more

[@msdustismith8919]

Wow,this is awe-inspiring... Never underestimate the power of a woman...

[@theresayap1452]

These women are amazing and have touched my heart forever. I too cried so hard I could barely see the video halfway through. May all 7 of the ladies who rescued these beautiful horses know this world is a better place because of what they did and who they are. They are amazing. I will show this video to as many people as I can. Thank you. ...more tissues please

[@angelabarker6390]

One of the most moving things I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing love from Wales xx

[@Alyafawad]

Same thoughts Loads of love❤

[@navtel]

there is a special place in heaven for all of those who helped that day..

[@youpie24]

+navtel i somehow feel horses will go to heaven.

[@elisabethdakak878]

Yes, because Heaven starts right in the heart, on this earth

[@karinwiseman996]

elisabJesOuus rides a white hhorseRead Revelation9

[@karinwiseman996]

May they lnknow our. Saviour Jesus Christ

[@drinking_master]

Well in reality it depends lmao

[@kateburns8126]

Bless the Magnificent Seven women and all who helped these fantastic beings. I'm so sorry that 19 perished.

[@roccostafford5383]

If they had waited longer, more horses would be drowned because the water could be rising much more. Thats the problem in the Netherlands, water could be flooded all the land. Where you saw the water, most of it was normally farmer ground. When the water was rising for 2 meters or 7 feet extra it would be impossible to save them. The Ladies make their plan and it worked really great at the best possible moment.

[@abiermonier1193]

Beautiful picture that ... I saw it when it happened. incredible ... they saved all those animals with a simple help ............ I never tire of seeing her and still today in 2019 I still enjoy her ..

[@joannedavis1991]

I've watched this dozens of times and it never gets old watching these amazing women rescue these beautiful horses.

[@amouramarie]

Wow! I love that you can hear the women bellowing "HYAH!" Great work from the women and from their own horses who willingly walked into a flood at their word.

[@janeykelf6233]

Women generally do things gently but with clarity always aware not to frighten but facilitate innate knowledge and trust in the animal....such a wonderful video I love horses

[@Kairos_Akuma]

Doesn't have much to do with them beeing woman tho. Horses are innate herdanimals. If they get one horse to follow the riders they get everyone. But nonetheless these women were heroes to even do that.

[@janeykelf6233]

@@Kairos_Akuma 3 years ago I would not have agreed with you but I have since seen men working with that gentleness, patience and clarity that I used to think was only a womens domain. Still only can count on hands tho. Yes these women were awesome eh

[@glenda5250]

I still cry whenever I watch this. So very grateful for the Great Netherlands Horse Rescue.

[@constantijnvandenhout5855]

Heroes, these Ladies on Horseback. They knew the mind of the horses better then all others. It is years ago, but - living in The Netherlands - I'll never forget this great heroicperformance of the women and their horses who saved all of the trapped horses.

[@korsetmaken]

Nor I. I still remember when this was happening and the entire country was wondering what would be next till these ladies came forward, unauthorised.

[@jannetatrenholm3141]

I bow to people who have unconditional love for animals! Bless those women and horses!😍

[@java20009]

How could I just find out this at 2018?!? these woman are amazing!

[@sherrysherry6113]

well 4 mos ago was not too late! I just read it today and have to bow to those women! I would do the same too!

[@theresasmock8655]

this is a real account of an Exodus these women are warriors and the world needs many many more . thank God for you all

[@gdouglas999]

That was one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen in my 72 years on this earth!

[@1dunwentnutz]

Can't give enough thumbs up for all involved!

[@adm6785]

It's been 11 years and I've watched this rescue more times than I can count. It never gets old. This extended version is so much easier to see. Thank you so much for uploading it for us. ;-)

[@m.yaqoobkhan7868]

Really exactly you'd said about this great job

[@cynthiaclee877]

Me the same, & I still get choked up about it xxx

[@womanofmanytalents]

I watch this every year. It is so heart rending.

[@Hextraordinary13]

I cried my eyes out. THIS is incredible. Just beautiful LOVE for our fellow inhabitants of this amazing planet.

[@lastchancerescue9905]

+Hextraordinary13 Some of them

[@christinaabrahams8362]

Well done girls that takes guts , I'm crying my eyes out . Your definately earth angels . Xxx

[@femkeb2253]

I live there!! I dont know much about that time because I was two at the time but I saw videos and articles and so on but somewhere in the middle of the group black horses is a white horse and I saw and petted her. Years after she got rescued she got a daugher.

[@chrystinecusack769]

This thrills and chills me to the bone , what a wonderful bunch of heroic women and all the other folk that joined this rescue , thank you so much for sharing this amazing video I wept with joy and the caring of these magnificent creatures!

[@bernadettevanderploeg8841]

I am from Friesland and I am extremely proud. Fresian women are grant!!

[@watermelonineasterhay7430]

I don't know how we came across this video but my wife and I started watching it and a couple of minutes into it my wife (who is of Dutch ancestry, both her parents came here to Canada after the Second World War) said "are you crying" I said no! She let it be. I was teared up. Thanks for making an old man cry in front of his wife. Seriously though...what amazing accomplishment. It's remarkable what people can accomplish when they put their minds together. Dutch women are amazing. I knew when shortly after I met my girlfriend...now my wife moving dirt in a wheelbarrow that I was gonna marry her. My wife can work as hard or harder than any man I've met and it runs in the family because her 4 sisters are the same way :) You young lads out there, find yourself a gal of Dutch ancestry and you won't go wrong. And as a bonus you'll live in the cleanest house you've ever seen lol

[@elizabethjohnson6848]

No matter how many times I watch this over the years, I still cry like a baby... Thank god for theses courageous women...

[@monicarose7080]

Me too, this gave me comfort when I had to say goodbye to my dog

[@starrama7711]

such a beautiful thing. acts like this should be remembered, instead of the other things people think of.

[@1besieged]

7 God like women to be exact. You all are so wonderful.

[@constancewalsh3646]

I too weeping (muted the dramatic then sentimental sound track - images suffice ). Women with hearts as big as those of the beautiful horses they saved, putting their own lives on the line. I am in complete awe before these Dutch sisters. How can such a story have been ignored??? Inspired beyond words, this river of horses flowing like water to higher ground, beauty beyond measure. Thank you, too, to the person holding the camera.

[@carolynmamchur8265]

Watch this with sound up and fill your heart with gratitude and joy.

[@mynameislove7605]

Warrior women to the rescue!! ENNIT!

[@MultiGalland]

I can rescue you

[@nancyepeek5613]

First time I have heard of this. Ladies you have true grit and my hat is off to all 7 of you. GOD BLESS you all.

[@glorysmummy]

The rescued horses look so proud of themselves xx

[@lindalavino1279]

THANKS TO ALL INVOLVED!!!!!❤ I watch this whenever I need a "pick-me-up"!

[@greendi9133]

one of the best videos I have ever seen! Thank you all

[@joeyswanepoel1984]

Wow........what a woman effort!!!

[@user-qz2su6si9k]

Thank you all of you.

[@kirstinetermansen5726]

love we can be human

[@restoretheearth2829]

My husband and I have been rescuing and rehabilitating horses and donkeys since 1992. Cheers for these ladies. Looked like one lady was riding a Welsh pony with all the big horses and it kept up, bless its heart. ❤💕🐎🐴

[@mylittleworld8302]

The most beautiful horse rescue I ever seen. I keep watching this video over and over again

[@jonette12345]

These people are amazing. The Bureau of Land Management in America need to take a lesson from this.

[@agnest.h5679]

FOR SURE THEY NEED TO! I most definitely see people, today (let alone in 2006), say "Oh we have to euthanize them all" instead of putting in the effort to rescue them. Look at the organization around this: Path and pastures ready, vets ready, first responders ready... When you see this story from our side of the pond, you realize how far behind the EU we are in the US in terms of animal rights/care/treatment/place in society. BUT WHO, IN THE US, IS GOING TO LEARN ANYTHING FROM THIS MAGISTRAL LESSON of ultimate selflessness and bravery? Not many, if ANY.

[@susanflowers7425]

What an awesome story! Thanks to these wonderful amazing woman!!!!GOD BLESS YOU ALL

[@dawnb7972]

Susan Flowers God bless you too. 😊

[@almairissanchez7230]

The courage of these women saved all these horses. Thanks to them!!! Yes, my eyes watery of such bravery and amazing story of horse rescue.

[@shirlepps1478]

Hollywood! Make a movie about these amazing women and what they accomplished. This was awesome! Breathtakingly beautiful!!

[@NaturelDeese]

freaking beautiful omg. tears when they warmed that one horse n

[@cynthiapowers3469]

seriously this is amazing n made me cry

[@BlackPanther-vk5ew]

I have no words!! My heart was racing.......my adrenaline was going........when the horses all started following the women!!? Ohhhhh.......my heart & tears ......just beautiful!!!!! Never have I seen such grandness and such LOVE at work!!

[@m.yaqoobkhan7868]

This was really really great performance ALLAH Pak must liked that efforts of great women and ALLAH Pak must give them its reward great job the Horses were so lucky and really sad that some of them died but in fact great job I salute them

[@iamchosen5365]

As I sit here crying my eyes out and chills running up and down my body, I think of the horses that died and my heart breaks, but seeing good people coming together to save the rest restored my faith in humanity. Thank you so much

[@suewilldig1087]

Totally inspiring. A brilliant and brave rescue.

[@joysmith1213]

Wow, this was just incredible! Poor babies, saved by the women who were fearless, and very smart to come up with this plan! I’m just touched by this, so well done with the addition of music, like a movie👏

[@conradhuhn3659]

That is beyond fantastic. Those ladies should be given a medal.

[@kimjimenez8752]

it is 2016 and I saw this video.. my heart is humbled with tears... thank you

[@jacquelineszorady34]

Amazing and admirable.

[@pamelachambers1684]

Absolutley stunning, I crying because there is people that will go so far to save a horse!!!! Beautiful!

[@mariannegriffiths7435]

WOW! I'm speechless. God bless those women!

[@susanflowers7425]

I have watched this video over and over again, I absolutely love it! The background music is perfect. BRAVO to all who had a hand in the rescue and video taping

[@nazgeoula6441]

Lion heart women. more power to them.

[@justme9359]

Bless these women and everyone involved in this monumental rescue. Bless the horses whose lives they saved.

[@tinawhittner9333]

Faith in humanity restored. Amen thank you .

[@Lspacehopper]

Sobbing my eyes out here

[@owdbugger]

+Laura Jayne Paterson Bit of a damp eye here also. More power to them!

[@horselover7744]

Same here

[@Lunchladydoyle]

this should have 10 million views. women are the revolution :)

[@restoretheearth2829]

Stef Doyle ++ No, women are the foundation of civilization and society.

[@jeanninederoma2364]

If you go to France, in every major cities you will found Avenue's and boulevards called : of the dames in thank for always taking over during famines, pleagues and wars. These horsewomen deserve an Avenue or a boulevard or why not a beach.

[@celtglen]

You see, this is why LOVE WILL CONQUER ALL~~so say we all!

[@merryhunt9153]

When things are not going well and I am feeling bad, I return to this beautiful story and watch it once again.

[@bernadettevanderploeg2479]

ik woon in Amerika en zag deze video, het maakte mij heel erg trots op ons mooie en diervriendelijk Nederland!!!! Ontzettend bedankt ! . Wij zijn zo goed in het oplossen van waterprolemen . Bedankt dames!!

[@aljohnston3698]

Thank you.

[@billsmith1486]

When you see something like this you come to realize we are the caretakers of animal life on this planet. We need to use this as an example for our duties. Sometimes we as humans do not do this good but we can.This is the best I have seen in a while and I too am sitting here crying at the beautiful outcome.

[@whimzybywardene]

Why hasn’t there been a movie made of this! Such a beautiful story. We have wild mustang horses here, I’m thankful for all those who care for the preservation of the dwindling grasslands these horses need.

[@pusadmirer]

Best video ever.

[@caradamcaradam8993]

BEAUTIFUL!!!! Heroes!

[@Lspacehopper]

I believe the lady with the dark jacket and white stripe, rubbing the horse with straw is Norma Miedema who helped to orchestrate this. She is still doing amazing animal rescue work ❤

[@kwgrid]

I know I've watched videos of this at least a dozen times over the years since it was first posted, but this is the first time I've come across the extended version. I cried...again, as I have every single time I've watched it. ♥ ♥ ♥

[@bpalmento3468]

aah found the name of this music that I absolutely love. It fits to the video and the horses and people who saved their lives. Awesome music: Found English translation of the song: English Conquest of Paradise Hmm ... There shines a light in the heart of man, Defies the dead of the night, A beam that glows within every soul Like wings of hope taking flight. A sunny day, when a baby's born, The little things that we say, A special sparkle in someone's eye, Simple gifts, every day. Somewhere there's a paradise Where everyone finds release, It's here on earth and between your eyes, A place we all find our peace. Refrain: Come - open your heart, Reach for the stars, Believe your own power. Now - here in this place, Here on this earth, This is the hour. It's just a place we call paradise, Each of us has his own, It has no name, no, it has no price, It's just a place we call home. A dream that reaches beyond the stars The endless blue of the skies, Forever wondering: who we are? Forever questioning: why? {Refrain} There shines a light in the heart of man, Defies the dead of the night, A beam that glows within every soul Like wings of hope taking flight, Like wings of hope taking flight.

[@JoDo777]

b palmento thanks💪👍😀

[@Nexus-ub4hs]

Beautiful words too, thank you

[@carojean2011]

In fact, the song in the video is in latin. I think that traduction is in the generic of the movie 1492. But i agree, its one of the best song ive ever heard

[@rhondapattrick]

THANKS FOR SHARING THAT WITH ALL X

[@janestraub3252]

Bravo! That was a superhuman effort! Really enjoyed see some of the horses swimming. Horses can swim but it's quite an effort for them. Sorry 19 were lost in the first rescue attempt.

[@bambiejomocan8442]

Salute to these people who saved the horses especially the 7 women Godbless!

[@annthompson382]

I have watched this amazing video at least 50 times and am still drawn to tears. A few question they say 7 women I have only ever counted 5!!!! what happened to the horse that collapsed????? You ladies did great

[@jeanniedenny719]

+Ann Thompson - I keep watching it too.. Norma Miedema was the 7th person who has not been recognised in the rescue but was the first person to contact authorities & suggest riding out to lure horses across the water, but was dismissed. She saved some foals but not others, & got sick from trying to cut fence wire in cold, neck deep water. The other women came in several days later when the story got international coverage.

[@angelinasouren]

The collapsed horse died 2 days later, someone else wrote (later, near the top).

[@korsetmaken]

There were also people on the island, guiding the horses off and covering the flanks so they wouldn't stray from the safe path.

[@lindalee7322]

This gave me goosebumps as soon as I saw the stranded horses so quickly respond to the women and their saddled horses. Great job!

[@jimmie200]

Gosh, I can't stop crying. What an amazing and beautiful thing to do; save all of those magnificent animals. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen for what you did.

[@selketskiss56]

I don't think I have ever seen anything so incredible as this story with so many horses at one time being saved. Truly amazing and I cried like a baby.

[@bpalmento3468]

I always think about those horses and the ladies that helped saved them.

[@anniegaven54]

the horse a great friend of the human!

[@restoretheearth2829]

annie gaven +++ I can't understand why so many Europeans want to eat them. The Bible forbids eating horses, donkeys and mules, also dogs and cats.

[@horselover7744]

@@restoretheearth2829 I'm european and as you can understand by my name i don't understand it either 😩 (Used to be a rider but stopped due to health and other private issues ) Horses are our companions On such a deep level 💗

[@em2010dery]

It’s almost 12 years since this happened and I haven’t read about it till now. This is one of the best rescues done by women and it’s so amazing and never will be forgotten by many. God bless you all. Though some died earlier on, I hope the horse who was getting warmed up by rescuers survived. Thank you for sharing. God bless you all.

[@rich-ard-style6996]

I wish the care that is shown here for these beautiful creatures would also shown every day to our animals all over the world and to our entire planet, earth, water, plants, trees and air and respect to each other, our world would be so much a better place. I am happy very happy the horses were rescued and about the braveness of these women. Thank you very much in the name of the horses.

[@deniseh8932]

This made me cry , well done ladies xx

[@talboters44]

KNOWING THE DUTCH IT DIDNT SURPRISE ME GREAT STUFF

[@13c11a]

It's true. The Dutch are amazing. Sometimes I wish they still owned the States! We'd all be bilingual! LOL!!!

[@TomasMatos1]

This is beautiful , on how every one united for this cause.

[@kimbiles8496]

They all have a special place in heaven, the rescused and rescuers. Prayers for all. If only all people could be this kind and caring. This showed there is a God and there is good left in this world.

[@pollyanne9973]

So emotional...cant help but cry watching this rescue. What amazing ladies. Bless them, Bless others that helped and the horses who put their trust in them and followed them to safety. Phew !! I am lost for words.....I am humbled. Thank you for sharing and the music was perfect. xx

[@piffixxx]

omg im crying.... this is wonderfull...

[@SB-sr6cm]

True heroes... just amazing, I’m speechless...

[@AsatruAri1]

Forever Relevant. 2006 was the hardest year of my life, yet, there was this.

[@deedukehart4069]

So much goodness in the world!

[@sueshipp3467]

this is inspiring.

[@lindavanocker1841]

A beautiful sight to see!! God bless those women abundantly !!! There are no words to describe this so I won't try!!!!

[@shinebright0795]

God bless the COMPASSIONATE, LONG LIVE, The Horses, 🕊🌹🍀🎶💖❤️💝🎶🍀🌈😊

[@johnnymazzuca4024]

Super great job ladies; hats off to all those involved in rescuing the horses. (y)

[@andreao4522]

What an amazing job ALL of u did.

[@bonchance9241]

not just the Women but the Men too..... don't forget the Fire Fighters......all working together for Good % helping from the heart......such goodness !!!

[@sarahlyn147]

Humankind at its best!

[@steel12city17cowgirl]

First time ever, hearing about this, when it should've been shown around the world!!! These Women are Warrior's and Truly Badass Angels!!! Sincerely, Thank You for you're Bravery, Strength, Intentions and Honesty...... Or those Beautiful Creatures would never have followed you to safety! That's one hell of a Happy Ending!!!!! You have my Gratitude!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!

[@lucieni]

An absolutely stunning video. I leaked a little bit. Thankyou. x