It appeared a horse climbed up onto a platform right next to a dumpster at the Goldenwest Stables near the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center and fell inside.
The Orange County Fire Authority's heavy rescue team jiggered together some fire hoses, a harness and used a forklift to lift the animal out.
A veterinarian administered a light tranquilizer to keep the horse calm during the rescue.
The horse was able to walk away and was unharmed.