Listen: The Great Escape - horse owners' flood fears

Viral video star Thunder enjoys an apple. Photo / Beth Ferguson

A South Canterbury couple whose horses were filmed escaping floodwaters say they've been surprised by the public response.

Beth and Ben Ferguson posted a harrowing video of their beloved horses and ponies trying to cross a raging torrent in what is usually a dry creek bed on their Hakataramea Valley farm.

Miniature pony Thunder was almost swept away in the deluge after a large tree branch forced the horses to make a decision to try to navigate the dangerous waters.

Warning: Language may offend

Click here for the Fergusons' video on YouTube

Beth Ferguson spoke to The Country Early Edition's Dom George about their ordeal.

Beth said watching Thunder try to make it to shore was "pretty scary", as she adores her horses - "they are the absolute apple of my eye."

The Fergusons' phone has been ringing off the hook since they posted the video online and both Beth and her husband Ben are surprised with the public's reaction to the horses plight.

Damage has been caused to the Fergusons' Hakataramea farm due to the flood but Beth says they "probably came off lightly compared to other people."

Listen to the full interview with Beth Ferguson in the Soundcloud embed below: