Montana State Rodeo coach's wife returns home after losing hand in horse-related accident

Presley Whitaker, the wife of Montana State University's head rodeo coach Kyle Whitaker, returned home Thursday after 24 days in the hospital following an accident in which she got caught in a rope and was dragged by a horse, severing her hand.

In a Facebook post, Kyle Whitaker said Presley was flown home to cut down travel time courtesy of local businessman Mark Bretz of Bretz RV. While it's a welcome update, Whitaker said the journey isn't over.

"I have been trying to send thank yous to all of you, but it will be impossible to reach everyone," Whitaker said in his post. "Please know that we appreciate what each of you have done for us, and we could use your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the upcoming days."

The accident happened in early May, according to Kyle Whitaker. In addition to losing her hand, Presley's jaw was broken. The coach described it as a "gruesome scene" and praised those who were there and helped her right away.

After the accident, Presley was flown to Salt Lake City where she received treatment. Efforts to reattach her hand weren't successful because too much damage had been done, according to an earlier Facebook update from Kyle Whitaker.