A young woman on a big horse guiding a group of clients on a ride through Glacier National Park likely saved a boy's life while proving that skill, quick-thinking and guts sometimes are the best weapons against a head-on charging bear.

"I like a large horse with a lot of spirit, and I was really glad to be on him that day," said Erin Bolster of the mongrel horse of questionable lineage.

"Some of the horses I've ridden would have absolutely refused to do what Tonk did.

(READ the story in the Missoulian)