Dramatic footage of the rescue courtesy of ABC

Forklifts are known for their horsepower, and in Huntington Beach, California, that's just what a machine exhibited when it was used to rescue a horse from a dumpster.

According to reports, the horse climbed up onto a platform 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 attached fire hoses and a harness and used a forklift to lift the animal out.

A veterinarian administered a light tranquiliser to keep the horse calm during the rescue.

The horse was able to walk away and was unharmed.

Watch video of the rescue here.