DILLON, MT – On Sunday, October 27, Beaverhead Search and Rescue received a call about a missing female horseback rider in the Grasshopper area.
The rider had been out for a horseback ride when she decided to leave the established trail to save time. As it began to get dark, she headed off the side of the mountain into a draw but found herself unable to return up the mountain due to dense deadfall.
After searching overnight without success, and with concerns about her preparedness for the dropping temperatures, Search and Rescue requested assistance from a helicopter equipped with a Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera, which can detect heat signatures to help locate individuals in difficult terrain.
The helicopter was airborne around 9:30 a.m. and quickly located the missing rider and her horse. Search and Rescue members, along with Beaverhead County Sheriff’s deputies, were able to assist her into a rescue basket for airlift transport. Meanwhile, Deputy Ternes walked the horse back up the hillside and safely loaded it into a trailer.
The coordinated effort by Search and Rescue highlights the importance of community resources in ensuring the safety of outdoor enthusiasts.
Comments