Country singer Luke Bryan turned hero on Thursday (11Jan13) after rescuing a horse from a river in Tennessee.

The Drunk On You hitmaker was boating down the Harpeth River in Franklin with his pal when they spotted the disoriented animal struggling to get out of the water.

They immediately contacted the police and Bryan then helped rescuers pull 15-year-old Misty to safety.

And the horse's happy owner, Janet MCCormick, couldn't be more thankful for the star's help - she says, "It was a blessing. If they hadn't been going down the river in the boat, I wouldn't have known that she'd fallen in...

"You can't thank anybody enough for taking an interest and being so helpful and genuine. And it's a blessing to have good neighbours."

The horse suffered minor cuts and bruises, but is expected to make a full recovery.