A horse that became separated from its rider during a high-altitude endurance race in California was airlifted to safety by helicopter, according to UPI Odd News.
The Nevada County Sheriff's Office Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team said responders were called after the horse and rider split up early in the Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance ride. The rider was later found uninjured.
Crews spent about two hours searching before the Butte County Sheriff's Office helicopter team located the horse in the Granite Chief Wilderness, an area that sits around 7,200 feet above sea level and is difficult to reach.
According to the Butte County Sheriff's Office, veterinary staff and technical rescue members were flown in to assess the horse, sedate it and secure it in a large-animal lift for extraction. The horse was then flown to French Meadows Reservoir, where ground rescuers were waiting.
Officials said the horse was not injured and was able to stand and walk into a trailer for the ride home.
