Search posse beats the bushes for missing horse on Whidbey
By JESSIE STENSLAND
Whidbey News Times Assistant editor
August 31, 2009 · 3:56 PM
Searchers have been combing the Kettles Trail for days in search of a missing horse.
South Whidbey resident Lindsey Vanwetter said she and her boyfriend, Jesse Caravan, were riding horses Friday afternoon in the extensive trail network off Highway 20, northwest of Coupeville.
The saddle started to slip off Caravan's horse, so he stepped off the animal and grabbed the reins. Vanwetter said the horse turned his head into some bushes, spooked himself and ran off. He hasn't been seen since.
Caravan's mother, Megan, owns the missing equine. She describes the horse, named Rebel, as dark chocolate, with a light-colored mane and tail and three white "socks." Rebel is a small horse, standing just over 14 hands tall. He had a blue halter under a bridle with silver coins. The saddle was western-style, with a green saddle pad.
Vanwetter said she and Caravan had been riding for about an hour when the horse ran away at around 3 p.m. The incident occurred on the "High Traverse" trail which isn't very far inside the Kettles Park.
A lot of people on foot and horseback — including members of Backcountry Horsemen — have been searching the area, but they haven't found any sign of Rebel.
"He's probably just scared somewhere out there," Vanwetter said.
Anyone with any information about horse can call Vanwetter at 360-348-7009 or call 911.
Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.Comment on this story.
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