Missing Horse Found Dead After Extensive Search in Myakka City

A horse that vanished in early January has been found dead after weeks of searching, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Cloud, a 16-year-old gray and white mare, disappeared from her barn in Myakka City sometime between January 9 and 10. Despite extensive efforts using drones and horseback searches, no immediate signs of the horse were found. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance were unclear, as there were no broken fences or open gates, and no other horses were missing from the property.

On Friday, deputies located Cloud’s remains in an overgrown pond less than a mile from where she was last seen. Authorities believe she wandered into the grassy area, became trapped in the mud, and could not escape. No foul play is suspected in her death.

Just days before Cloud was found, Florida Beach Horses, the organization caring for her, had announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to her recovery. Cloud had also been among the horses injured in a devastating trailer accident on State Route 70 in November, where one horse died and several others sustained injuries.