PILLAGER-A female horseback rider needed rescue after a fall broke her leg Friday evening, July 20, in the Pillsbury State Forest.
Pillager Fire Chief Greg Ringler said the incident, occurring about 5:40 p.m., took place about a mile off the main trail on a very narrow trail, where vehicles could not reach. Rescuers walked the mile each way and carried the woman back on a stretcher.
According to traffic on the police scanner, rescuers initially called for air care, but later requested responders stand down due to the unknown amount of time it would take to remove the woman from the woods. Rescuers estimated it could take as long as an hour.
The woman, whose name was not released, was taken by North Memorial Ambulance to Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Ringler said the horse was returned to the Pillsbury Forest Horse Camp and appeared to be OK.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Cass County Sheriff's Office also responded to the call.
