At approximately 4:30 PM, the San Bernardino County Communications Center was notified by Sheriff’s Dispatch that a female rider and her horse had fallen into a ravine in the Bowen Ranch area, eight miles east of Hesperia. Two engines, a rescue, a battalion chief and ambulance were dispatched. An Equine Rescue Team from the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department was immediately requested. When rescuers from County Fire hiked into the scene, they found the horse at the bottom of a steep 300 foot deep ravine. The horse was assessed for injuries and it was determined the horse could not walk out of the steep ravine. A request went out to Los Angeles County Fire Department for a helicopter and crew trained to accomplish this rescue. Mutual aid between counties makes it possible to share these specialized resources to benefit to greatest number of people and animals.
With sunset rapidly approaching, it was decided to schedule the hoist rescue tomorrow morning at 8 AM. Crews will return to the scene at 6:30 AM with a large animal vet to prep the horse for the helicopter's arrival. The flight crew will fit the horse with a special harness and the vet will administer a final dose of medication before the animal is hoisted to a waiting trailer.
Have a communications plan when recreating in the wilderness. Let family or friends know where you will be and for how long. In the event of an emergency, aid can be better directed to your location.