Sometimes horses find themselves in precarious positions, desperately in need of human help. That’s what happened to Lucky, a pack horse, when he lost his footing while crossing a river in
Alaska. Lucky was beaten up badly by the river’s rocks, and his legs were so swollen and painful that he couldn’t walk. He was also hours from the nearest clinic, so rescuers needed a way to get him out quickly.
Enter a special sling and a helicopter. Lucky was harnessed up and gently lifted into the air, then transported to a clinic where his injuries could be better assessed and treated. The video below captures the incredible moment when Lucky is flown high above the ground.
Large animal rescue, particularly when working with horses, can be a dangerous and challenging endeavor. Not only are rescuers working with animals which weigh more than 1,000 pounds, but they’re working with horses which are often frightened, in pain, and reactive. A kick from a horse can injure or kill a person, so prioritizing rescuer safety is always important.
