California – A horse that became separated from its rider during a high-altitude endurance race was rescued after being located in a difficult-to-reach area and lifted to safety by helicopter.

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team responded after the horse and rider were separated early during the Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance ride. The rider was found uninjured, but search crews spent two hours looking for the horse without success.

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office helicopter team later located the animal in the Granite Chief Wilderness at about 7,200 feet above sea level.

Veterinary personnel and North Valley Animal Disaster Group technical rescue members were flown to the horse, where the animal was assessed, sedated, and secured in a large animal lift for extraction.

The horse was then transported out of the remote area by helicopter after the rescue operation.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download