This is the heartwarming moment a group of firefighters rescued a horse that was stuck in a ditch in Brazil.

Passing locals heard the grey mare whinnying 10ft below the road in Itajuba, Minas Gerais, and immediately called the authorities.

Footage shows the distressed animal secured with a harness while being gently lifted out by an excavator on the morning of November 6.

One of the rescuers can be seen standing nearby to assist the frantic horse.

The nag can be heard neighing in distress as it tries to climb on its own.

Moments later, it appeared to calm down while the machine operator hoisted it to safety.

Authorities said the horse showed signs of fatigue and had sustained injuries from the fall.

It is now being cared for and is recovering from its wounds.