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BUTTE COUNTY (KCRA) — A horse was rescued and airlifted after it became stranded during the Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance ride, according to officials.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office HEART team said a horse and a rider became separate early in race. The rider was quickly found and uninjured, but the horse was nowhere to be found.
For over two hours, crews search through steep terrain while tracking the horse’s GPS beacon. The rugged landscape prevented crews from finding the horse, officials said.
As temperatures continued to rise and concerns about the horse’s hydration, a request for a helicopter was made.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office said its helicopter unit responded to a request for a large animal rescue.
Within three minutes, the air crew was able to find the horse still standing. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office said the horse was stranded in the Granite Chief Wilderness, which is at an elevation of 7,200 feet and is in terrain that is not accessible by foot or vehicle.
After evaluating the terrain and elevation, officials developed a plan, establishing two sites to safely rescue the horse, Nevada County officials said.
A helicopter took a UC Davis Equine medical strike team to access the horse’s condition, administer fluids, provide sedation and prepare the animal for an airlift.
The helicopter returned to take the receiving to the secondary site, where they stood ready. The animal was then secured on the harness and was safely delivered without incident.
For over two hours, crews search through steep terrain while tracking the horse’s GPS beacon. The rugged landscape prevented crews from finding the horse, officials said.
As temperatures continued to rise and concerns about the horse’s hydration, a request for a helicopter was made.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office said its helicopter unit responded to a request for a large animal rescue.
Within three minutes, the air crew was able to find the horse still standing. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office said the horse was stranded in the Granite Chief Wilderness, which is at an elevation of 7,200 feet and is in terrain that is not accessible by foot or vehicle.
After evaluating the terrain and elevation, officials developed a plan, establishing two sites to safely rescue the horse, Nevada County officials said.
A helicopter took a UC Davis Equine medical strike team to access the horse’s condition, administer fluids, provide sedation and prepare the animal for an airlift.
The helicopter returned to take the receiving to the secondary site, where they stood ready. The animal was then secured on the harness and was safely delivered without incident.
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