A family outing to Lee Canyon in Mount Charleston took a terrifying turn for the Wilkey family from Logandale when their daughter Olivia was kicked in the face by a wild horse at the lower Lee Meadows. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for others who may encounter wild horses in the area.
Austin and Haley Wilkey had taken their four children to Lee Meadows on Saturday, Aug. 3, for a photo shoot. As they were enjoying the scenic surroundings, they noticed two wild horses emerging from the woods. The horses seemed calm and were grazing near people in the meadow.
However, the peaceful scene quickly turned chaotic when one of the horses unexpectedly bucked, causing Olivia to be kicked in the face. Haley described the terrifying moment when she heard hooves and turned around to see her daughter on the ground. She recalled screaming and running towards Olivia, fearing the worst.
A video posted on TikTok captured the harrowing incident, showing the horse trotting towards the girls before kicking Olivia. The family rushed Olivia to University Medical Center, where it was discovered that she had a fractured skull that required plating. Fortunately, CT scans revealed only minor bleeding and no swelling.
Living in rural Logandale, where encounters with horses are common, the Wilkey family acknowledged that they may have underestimated the potential danger of being near wild horses. Haley admitted that in the moment, she believed they were safe due to a lack of knowledge about wild horse behavior.
While there are signs in the area warning about wild horses, they may not be easily visible if visitors do not park near them. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has emphasized the need to manage wild horses to prevent unsafe interactions, prompting local residents to advocate for their protection and the implementation of educational campaigns.
Despite the frightening ordeal, Olivia received medical clearance to return home and is on the road to recovery. While she will bear a scar from the incident, her family is grateful that she is back to her usual self. The Wilkey family hopes that sharing their story will raise awareness about the importance of caution around wild horses and encourage others to prioritize safety when encountering wildlife in natural settings.
