Horse and rider rescued after falling off Montana de Oro trail
August 8, 2026
By JOSH FRIEDMAN
Emergency crews rescued a horse and its rider after the animal fell more than 50 feet off a trail in Montana de Oro State Park Friday evening.
The horse fell about 50 to 60 feet off the trail near Oats Peak, according to Cal Fire. Rescue crews reached the area with assistance from a CHP H-70 helicopter.
Rescuers worked to cut a safe path back to the trail. The horse managed to walk back up to the trailer under her own power. Rescuers then hiked approximately five miles with the horse and the rider.
Both the horse and the rider emerged from the incident uninjured.
State Parks, Morro Bay Fire and San Luis Obispo City Fire personnel assisted Cal Fire rescuers with the response. Cal Fire says the rescue serves as a great example of coordinated teamwork between agencies that brought everyone home safely.
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