 Danielle Quigley says she doesn't like water, but that did not stop her from diving into a fast-flowing river to rescue a drowning horse. After hearing cries for help from its rider, the 24-year-old did not hesitate before leaping into the swollen River Wear and getting the animal to safety. The horse had bolted into the water, dislodging the rider, who managed to cling on to the bank. Danielle said: "The stables where I keep my own horses is on the banks of the river and I was mucking them out when I heard screaming and shouting. strong "I ran down and saw a horse being swept downstream. "There had been a load of rain the week before and the river was a couple of feet higher than normal, and there are very strong currents round there. "The horse kept turning over and getting dragged under with its legs in the air. "I don't like water, but I knew I had to do something." Danielle managed to grab hold of the horse's bridle and swim with it to the bank of the river, at Finchale Abbey, County Durham. The panicked creature soon responded to her calming words and guidance. Danielle said: "He was very lucky. "He had lost a shoe and had a couple of cuts, but that was it. "I don't like to think what would have happened if I hadn't managed to catch him. "His rider was just a young lass and she was unhurt too, but I think she was in shock. "She was crying and thanking me and saying she did not know what she would have done if I had not been nearby." Danielle, who owns two horses, has warned of the dangers of riding near rivers or trying to cross them. She said: "This girl had been riding alongside the river and the horse leapt into it. "We have two river crossings at our yard, but you should only really use them in summer and with someone who knows exactly where they are going. "In that section of the river, there are salmon pools which are extremely deep and some very strong currents. "It may look calm on the surface but it can take you by surprise." | 
