Horse Airlifted by Helicopter in Montana Flood Rescue

Here in Montana, horses are just part of everyday life. Whether you’ve got your own trusty steed or pass a pasture full of them on your drive to work, they’re as common as mountains and pickup trucks. But what’s not so common? Seeing a horse flying through the air by helicopter. Imagine that sight on your morning commute—"It’s a bird, it’s a plane… nope, that’s a horse!"

With spring runoff in full swing, Montana’s rivers are running high and fast. The deep snowpack from winter paired with warmer temps lately has created the perfect mix for flooding and unpredictable currents. That’s exactly what led to one horse’s wild aerial rescue.

The Lower Yellowstone River, usually a peaceful spot, turned dangerous fast. That’s where a senior horse named Cowboy found himself—stranded and stuck, likely after slipping into the river trying to grab a drink.

Two Billings locals, Jessica Garza and Heather Hultgren, spotted Cowboy south of Mullowney Lane on May 15th. Realizing he needed help, they sprang into action, calling every agency they could think of—Blue Creek Fire, Fish and Wildlife, Animal Control, and finally, the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff’s department took the reins and came up with a bold rescue plan: strap Cowboy into a harness and airlift him to safety via helicopter.

Get our free mobile app

Thanks to their quick thinking and teamwork, 20 plus-year-old Cowboy is now back home, safe and sound. Just another day in Big Sky Country… where even horses catch a ride in the sky.