ACADIA NATIONAL PARK — A large draft horse that spent hours trapped in a hole after its barn floor gave way was rescued and will be OK thanks to the efforts of more than 30 people on Wednesday morning.

According to ranger reports, Duke, a Belgian Suffolk Cross used to pull carriages at the Wildwood Stables in Seal Harbor, was put up and tethered in his stall at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday. When workers arrived shortly after 6 a.m. on Wednesday they discovered the horse with only his front legs and head sticking out of floor.

“They don’t know how … the floor collapsed,” ranger Richard Rechholtz said. Apparently the floor above the 4-foot-deep void had rotted, he added.

Park service personnel, Mount Desert firefighters and highway crew members, stable workers and a veterinarian were called to assist in the effort. A forklift and backhoe were on the scene in case they were needed to help lift the animal; such draft horses can weigh more than 1,500 pounds.

Crews placed a wide canvas fire hose behind Duke’s front legs and rigged another around his back. A hole had to be cut into the ceiling above to rig a lifting system.

How much manpower does it take to move a horse? About three dozen, Mr. Rechholtz said.

Duke was pulled from the hole just before 10 a.m. and, after resting for a while, was able to stand on his feet. He suffered some lacerations and bruises but should make a full recovery, Mr. Rechholtz said.

“I’ve been involved with a lot of rescues over the years that didn’t have happy endings,” Mr. Rechholtz said. “This one was very rewarding.”

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