A woman whose horse ran off after being injured in Bago Forest is overcome with emotion and gratitude that he’s been found.
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Maureen Feltham from Grafton was taking part in the Endurance charity event for Riding for the Disabled, near Wauchope last Sunday morning, when her horse, Little Red, fell on a bridge at Milligans Road.
The 11-year-old chestnut hurt his leg and disappeared, wearing a saddle and bridle.
Within an hour, riders, walkers and drivers were combing the forest, and continued to do so every day.
On Saturday evening, at dusk, the horse was spotted by searchers in a vehicle.
Wayne Thompson from Sancrox said he and his friends found Little Red on top of Bago Mountain at 4pm on Boundary Road and that the horse was safe and sound.
On the Facebook page, Help Find Little Red, Wayne wrote: “I'd like to thank my friends, Jesse Cave, Bryson Hamilton, Brendan Farrington, and Josh East, for helping me keep the horse relaxed while I contacted my father to call someone to come and get the horse.
“After a brief 15km ride/walk in the dark forestry, we met with the horse’s owner. Me and my friends are happy we could help find the horse and return it to a very grateful owner.”
One of the searchers, Meaghan Tully, added that Little Red had been checked by a vet, and only showed signs of mild dehydration, and some mild signs of colic, but was given fluids and sedatives to settle him down and help with the pain. His hind leg was slightly skinned but nothing major.
“He's happy to be home with his mumma and warm!” she added.
Maureen was amazed and overwhelmed with gratitude that riders and drivers came from far and wide to search for her horse, after his plight touched people’s hearts.
And search organiser, Kristy Cordell, who spread the word on Facebook, says everyone is delighted that he’s been found.
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On Thursday, Beatrice Osborne drove from Taree with her horse, Skeeta, to help the search, even though she would be working night shift in a hospital later. . “I read about it on Facebook and I just had to come,” she said.
Kristy Cordell says everyone put in an awesome effort, and she thanked them on behalf of Maureen and her husband, Graham.
“We are so grateful to everyone, including Riding for the Disabled, Beechwood Cafe and Bar, the Colonial Bakery in Wauchope, Hastings District Pony Club, Mount Seaview Natural Spring Water, TG’s Childcare in Wauchope, a truck-load of people and horses from Taree Racing, and to walkers, horse riders and four-wheel drivers who helped in this fantastic effort. It’s great to have a happy ending.” she added.