This Sunday, volunteers will once again comb Massachusetts’ Freetown State Forest in search of Charlz, a horse who was separated from his rider six weeks ago.

“We know he’s out there because we’ve seen his tracks, and he’s been spotted by searchers on foot and from the air by a local pilot,” said Deb LePlante, owner of the 17-year-old bay Arabian. “We just haven’t been able to catch him.”


Charlz, horse lost in forest

Charlz

LePlante became separated from Charlz on May 25 when a dangling branch knocked her to the ground during a trail ride. The same branch struck Charlz, who bolted into the forest. Since then hundreds of volunteer searchers, including a group of Massachusetts Mounted Police, have scoured the 5,400-acre forest in hopes of catching the horse.

“There are so many trails out there, it’s impossible to guess where he might be at any specific time,” she said. “There’s plenty of forage and water, but we’re very concerned because he’s still wearing his saddle, and he’s lost all but one shoe.”

Anyone interested in joining the search should meet fellow volunteers at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, at 164 Quanapoag Rd. in East Freetown, Mass.


For more information, or to report a Charlz sighting, contact LePlante at 774/634-9272.