Kristen Keim of Chandler is used to working with Salt River Project customers to resolve water issue.

She is a water master for the utility company with experience handling irrigation water order issues and maintaining reliable deliveries.

Earlier this month, though, Keim’s job took an unusual turn.

On Saturday, July 9, Keim was removing moss from an area of the Arizona Canal on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community when she noticed a horse standing waist-deep in the water, according to an SRP release.

"The horse was near one of our equipment entrance ramps and did not appear to be in distress and was even blowing bubbles with its nose," Keim said. "It was a very warm morning, and I didn’t think twice about it being in the water as we often see the wild horses in the area enter the canal to cool off."

Keim left the area to inspect another section of the canal, and when she returned around noon to clear more moss, she noticed the horse was in the exact same location, facing the same direction – although this time it was farther out of the water than before.

"Once I realized that he could be injured and knowing the history of the beloved Salt River wild horse population, I was determined to get him out of the water."

With temperatures approaching 110 degrees, Keim contacted SRP’s Association Dispatch Center to advise them of the situation and approached the horse to see what assistance she could provide.

After determining the horse was not alarmed by her presence, Keim managed to get the animal to turn around, but not up the ramp and out of the water, according to the release.

After calling for help from her colleague and fellow water master Chris Crosland, a former Mesa resident who lives in San Tan Valley, she came up with another rescue approach.

"I retrieved a rope from my truck and tied a large loop in the end. I was able to lasso him and pull him a few feet towards the ramp," Keim said.

"I teamed up with Chris, using the rope and the pole to carefully pull the horse and help shuffle his legs up the ramp. It took some time, but he finally gathered his footing and made his way safely up the ramp.

“Eventually, he crossed the canal road, into the shade and began eating some brush. I watched him disappear into the trees."

Canal Safety Tips from SRP:

• Do not enter the canal water under any circumstance.
• Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and tubing in canals is prohibited.
• Keep a close watch on children, and make sure to teach them about canal safety.
• Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the canal banks (authorization from SRP is required).
• Stay away from automated equipment at water delivery gates.
• Call 911 for help if a person, pet or object falls into the canal water.