On Sunday, May 31, 2026 at approximately 1315 hours, Sandy Spring UTV740 and Chief 704 responded to Patuxent River State Park at the 23200 blk of Georgia Avenue to assist with a reported injured person along the trail at an unknown location. Howard County Medic 135 and Engine 131 were initially on scene with Laytonsville Chief 717 Charlie (Command), Laytonsville Ambulance 717 and Rescue Engine 717 responded to assist. While searching along the trail approximately 1.2 miles into the woods, crews found two separate incidents: an injured person along the trail near the bridge and a horse that had its legs fall through the bridge. The Montgomery County Technical Rescue Team and Howard County Special Operations Team were requested to assist with the horse rescue. Personnel utilized equipment off of UTV740 to free the horses legs. The horse was moved off the bridge and given time to recover from sedation with the veterinarian. The injured person was transported to the parking lot area via UTV, no additional services were needed. Once the horse recovered, it was able to stand and walk with assistance out of the woods and back to the parking lot. Once at the parking lot, the horse was able to stand on its own. Units packed up and went in service when ready at approximately 1645 hours.

Horse rescues create a complex incident, especially deep in the woods. We are very fortunate to have trained personnel from both agencies on scene able to assist.