Powell Couple Rescued on Horseback

A Powell couple is safe after they were bucked off by their mounts north of the Wapiti Campground on Saturday.
Jenkins and Heather Clarkson of Powell were riding in the Sweetwater drainage on July 7th when the accident occurred. Rescue operations began when the mule and quarter horse were found by hikers about three quarters of a mile up the Sweetwater Trail, with no riders in sight.
Park County Search and Rescue Liaison Lance Mathess says that officials determined who the missing party was, as their vehicle was left at the trail head.
He says rescue operations included deploying the Search and Rescue aircraft, which located the missing couple a little before 4 p.m. – however, they were stranded at a crossing due to the high, swift water. He says that the creek was too dangerous to allow ATVs to cross – and that’s when cooperation with local residents saved the day.

Mathess says Heather Clarkson suffered a separated shoulder during her fall but was treated and stabilized by search and rescue prior to her evacuation, and Jenkins Clarkson was uninjured.