Bhuvan Unhelkar, a 65-year-old business professor from Florida and inexperienced horseback rider, suffered a serious fall during a trail ride at Bill Cody Ranch near Yellowstone in September. After struggling with leg cramps and being unable to follow riding instructions, he fell about 20 feet, hitting his head on a fallen tree and narrowly avoiding a deadly drop. His friend Josh Baker and others provided immediate aid, and emergency responders eventually evacuated Unhelkar, who was hospitalized with a severe head wound and multiple crushed vertebrae.

Following emergency surgery in Florida to stabilize his spine, Unhelkar underwent physical therapy and credits his recovery to medical care and support from loved ones. Though he plans to remain active by running a half-marathon in Australia, he doubts he will ever ride a horse again, feeling he has done enough in this lifetime.