Our much-traveled Anderson sling was requested by a veterinarian in Alaska in May, 2016. We are always willing to lend all of our rescue equipment to anyone who can use our assistance. The production company hired by the National Geographic Wild Cable channel asked to borrow our sling and then drove it to Alaska on June 3rd, 2016.

A lady rancher wanted to preserve the bloodlines of her great-grandparents’ herd of Yukon Mountain Horses. The horses had been running wild for many generations and become feral. The rancher was hoping that two male yearlings could be captured to be used as breeding stallions when they matured.

Because the terrain was very rough and mountainous, the only way to capture and transport them to the rancher’s land was by darting them with a tranquilizer gun from a helicopter and then flying them, while still sedated and harnessed in our sling, to their new home.

Dr. Michelle Oakley was willing to try to dart the horses if the helicopter could fly within 60 feet of the fleeing herd. She assembled her crew and took off for the first capture.

Dr. Oakley takes aim with the tranquilizer as the helicopter “steers” the herd

The first yearling caught was a filly who began to overheat and needed fluids while waiting for the helicopter to bring the sling

In addition to the sling, Dr. Oakley needed to use a blindfold while helicoptering the sedated horse. However, the Animal Planet crew had lost our blindfold during the previous filming in Alaska. So, this ever-resourceful vet thought of a great substitute—a pink lacy bra! Unfortunately, it was too large for the little filly’s head so she tried a white training bra which fit “just right”.

Dr. Oakley prepares the filly for takeoff

A crew member gives the signal to the helicopter pilot to take her up

Dr. Oakley watches as the filly starts her flight and then races in a 2nd helicopter to the flatbed trailer

The filly ascending

Dr. Oakley’s support team stands by the flatbed trailer, awaiting the helicopter

The great adventure was repeated with the second capture who turned out to be a male. There were anxious moments when it was feared that the colt had a twisted gut from all the heat and excitement, but he was OK and then on his way to his new home while sporting a pink lacy blindfold.

A close up at the bra, er. blindfold

The philly and the colt reunited and safe

“Mission Accomplished” according to Dr. Michelle Oakley

Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet – When Horses Fly
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/dr-oakley-yukon-vet/videos/when-horses-fly/