After a river crossing went wrong, a horse was left stranded on a sandbank while still wearing its bridle and saddle.
The horse, an 8-year-old quarter horse called Colorado, had to be flown by helicopter to safety after he spent five days stranded on a sandbar on the Gila River about 36 miles southwest of Phoenix.
Before becoming stranded, the horse had been part of a group of three horse and riders which attempted to cross the river. Due to the strong currents, three of the riders required rescuing and one of the other horses had to be put down after it was discovered he had broken a leg in the crossing.
Colorado was sedated and put in a harness with blinders on before being airlifted half a mile along the river bank to an awaiting crowd.
Other than slightly worse for wear horse tack thanks to the horse's bridle and saddle getting a soaking, the horse was in good condition and recovered fully from his ordeal.
