SOUTHERN UTAH — After spending a harrowing 18 months stranded on a secluded beach at Lake Powell, a young mare named Solo is now safe and recovering, thanks to the efforts of rescuers.
Solo became trapped when rising water levels isolated the beach, cutting off any escape routes. According to Jen Reid of Best Friends Animal Society, this isn’t the first time horses have been caught in such a predicament at the lake.
“Fluctuating water levels have led to situations like this before,” Reid explained. “Solo was part of a herd that unfortunately didn’t survive. She was the last one left, and without intervention, she likely wouldn’t have made it.”
Private individuals first spotted the stranded mare and reached out for help. Reid and her team, who previously rescued a mare named Emma and her foal from a similar situation in 2023, sprang into action. Their past experience proved invaluable in ensuring Solo’s rescue went smoothly.
“We learned a lot from Emma’s rescue, and those lessons made this one quicker and more efficient,” Reid said.
It took about four hours to transport Solo to safety. Now in the care of the Horse Haven rescue, she is adjusting well to her new environment. However, her journey isn’t over—her training and socialization will take time.
“Horses adapt at their own pace,” Reid noted. “Some respond quickly to the taming process, while others require more patience. We let them progress on their own timetable.”
Although challenging, rescues like Solo’s are deeply rewarding for Reid and her team.
“It’s incredible to be part of something like this,” she said. “After we saved Emma, I never imagined we’d encounter another case so similar—but here we are.”
Thanks to the dedication of rescuers and caring individuals, Solo now has a second chance at life .
