S.C. Equestrians Rally to Find Missing Horse

CHARLESTON — A horse missing in Lee State Park has rallied equestrians across the state. 

"Cherry," a 9-year-old quarter horse mare, walked off and then bolted from her rider Aug. 27 and has been missing since. 

Owner Frankie Richardson has remained at the Bishopville state park nine days searching for her horse. Other groups have joined the search efforts, like the Carolina Marsh Tackey Association and S.C. Horsemen's Council.

"We've been searching all day every day that it has not been raining," Richardson said. 

See a promotional video of the park to the right of the story.

Director of nonprofit horse-rescue LEARN Elizabeth Steed will haul her mule out to Lee State Park Thursday to aid in the rescue effort. 

"I can't imagine what this woman is going through," Steed said. Steed lives outside Charleston in Ravenel. "(Richardson is) staying there and they are searching desperately. They're afraid she may be caught up in some brush."

Cherry walked off with her saddle and bridle, something that can easily catch on dense vegetation.

Park staff has been aiding the search as well, according to park manager Troy Crider. He said park staff has been walking firebreaks and boundaries. 

A second horse was lost the day after Cherry, but was recovered the same day, he said.

Crider said this is a rare occurrence at the park.

"We continue to keep an eye out and we hope for the best," he said.