A horse named Deuce and his owner slipped into a steep embankment in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., after moving to the area from Hawaii. Firefighters attempted to guide Deuce out on foot, but he was sedated and airlifted from the embankment by a helicopter to a nearby equine-assisted therapy facility.

Deuce was exhausted after the sedative wore off and had trouble standing up, but was hoisted with a specialized rigging system by Technical Rescue Firefighters. Once he could stand, Deuce was walked back to his stable to be evaluated by a veterinarian and reunited with his owner.

Thanks to a team effort, Deuce is recovering and looking forward to riding the trails of Orange County again. The Orange County Fire Authority praised the rescue as a success and highlighted the importance of equine training for firefighters in preparation for similar rescues.