Washington Search and Rescue teams save two lost riders and a horse!
Cowgirl 911
May 2021
Author: Scout Baker
Word Count: 582 words
On May 22, 2021, Silver Star SAR, Skamania Sheriff's Office SAR, and OHS Technical Animal Rescue helped evacuate two lost riders and a horse from high elevation and deep snow up on Silver Star.
Wet, cold, and running out of daylight, one horse was buried in several layers of snow. The large snowfield and darkness quickly approaching made it impossible for rescue teams to lead the horse to safety.
On the morning of the 23rd, members from SCSOSAR, Silver Star SAR, OHSTAR, and Southwest WA Animal Response Team weathered the treacherous conditions to bring the brave little mare home.
The Skamania County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue reported via their Facebook page, after about 50 feet post-holing through packed, deep snow, she bonded with Silver Star's Field Coordinator Rick. Rick led her through deep snow, over rocks, and down steep pitches to safety.
The Shamania County Sheriff’s Office SAR is primarily responsible for rescuing people. However, with some animal lovers on the scene, the horse was in luck.
After reaching out to the Shamania Sheriff’s Office SAR and speaking to Helga Pratt, a SCSOSAR Training Officer, we learned that they supported the two technical animal rescue teams and volunteers. Since SAR teams in Washington state cannot deploy to rescue animals, they were on scene to simply provide support, navigation, exploring additional options, general safety, supplies, and medical needs should the situation arise. Pratt has over 40 years of horse experience and said, “I was able to help the animal rescue teams handle the mare for a successful outcome.”
Pratt went on to say, “We definitely would encourage equestrians to research the trails they will be riding before heading out, finding current trail maps, and asking locals for advice. Just like we recommend for hikers, equestrians also always need to have the ten essentials with them – enough for themselves and their mount.”
Washington SAR teams responding to a call to evacuate two lost riders and a horse from high elevation and deep snow up on Silver Star.
As a SAR person and an equestrian, Pratt said to never rely on Google maps or any other app for trail information. I am too careful about where I take my horse to risk any non-equestrian information. When Pratt hits the trail or in the wilderness adventure, she uses DNR or Forest Service maps, either paper or online for the latest versions, to find the latest accurate equestrian trail info.
Pratt also recommended using another reliable resource, WTRA (Washington Trail riders Association), for those in Washington. A quick call or email to a local chapter will give the most up-to-date local tips, advice, and current trail conditions. Pratt shared that the rider was fortunate in this case. She had cell service where her horse got stuck, which is not common in the area. Pratt carries a HAM radio but recommends Garmin InReach and SPOT devices to communicate with others while riding.
Though this event had a happy outcome, events such as this can drastically change for the worst in seconds. We challenge you to stay up-to-date on trail maps, animal and human first aid, and preparing for several situations.
If you need to catch up on your preparedness for trail and backcountry riding, please tune in to our first Wilderness Wednesday Webinar with Adelle Stewart, where we discuss preparing for accidental events along the trail. The Wilderness Wednesdays series includes two additional webinars on the Cowgirl 911 Facebook group. The second of three takes place on June 9th at 5:30 pm PST. We encourage all levels of trail riders to participate in this free event! You can RSVP here.
All images: Skamania County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue
