Rescuers battle tide to rescue trapped horse

Rescuers battled against the tide to rescue the horse who became trapped in quicksand-like mud on a beach in Geelong.

Its owner Nicole Graham remained by18-year-old Astro's side, holding its head above the mud as rescuers arrived at the scene.

Ms Graham said she was riding on Avalon Beach with her daughter on Monday when both their horses started sinking in the muddy sand. The smaller horse managed to get out but Astro remained stuck in the mud.

With the tide rising, Nicole stayed with Astro until the local Emergency Services sedated the horse and pulled it out.