Clairice Stewart-Lyons seen here riding Onyx.
Camera IconClairice Stewart-Lyons seen here riding Onyx. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Horse lost in Gnangara pines found safe and sound

Lisa ThomasThe Advocate

A FIVE-day search for a missing horse in the Gnangara pine plantation has had a happy ending, with the pony found 18km from where he went missing.

Clairice Stewart-Lyons’ horse Onyx went missing in the pine plantation off Gnangara Road in Lexia at around 7.20pm last Tuesday , with hundreds of people volunteering to help search.

Ms Stewart-Lyons said she fell off the horse while out riding, when he got spooked and ran off.

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She said after so many days missing and with high temperatures she was concerned for his welfare.

Ms Stewart-Lyons said she got the best phone call of her life from a Bullsbrook man yesterday morning.

“He said a grey horse had turned up on his property in Bullsbrook with a saddle on,” she said.

“I asked if he could send a photo and he said he would call me back. Waiting for that photo felt like forever, but as soon as I saw the photo, I started crying and shaking and told him, it was my horse.”

She said apart from a few minor cuts he was fine.

“He has barely any cuts, only two ticks were on him and otherwise he’s in perfect health,” she said.

“I’m so grateful to have my horse back and for all the people who helped me find him.”

Hundreds of people joined the search for Onyx in the pine plantation on horseback, 4-wheel drive and motorbike.

People also donated to a Go Fund Me page to help fundraise to hire a helicopter to search the plantation.

She said she was happy the ordeal was now over.

“When I saw him I called out to him and his ears pricked up and I walked over to him,” she said.

“As soon as I got hold of the rein, I broke down crying. I was so happy and relieved and the nightmare was over.”