Pasadena equestrian group searches for lost horse

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Sunday, May 24, a group of trail riders set off from Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena. During the ride, Lilly (pictured), a 5-year-old buckskin mare, slipped and lost her footing. Her owner, Leslie Boyle, fell -- and Lilly ran off.

Now, despite the best efforts of the Rose Bowl Riders, the equestrian club of which Boyle is a member, and numerous search parties (a helicopter was even dispatched to look for her), Lilly remains missing.

When last seen, the horse was fully tacked (wearing a saddle, bridle and other gear). Since searches have turned up no sign of her, the Rose Bowl Riders believe that someone found Lilly and took her in.

‘There is just no way she could still be out there on the trail. It’s heavily used and she would have been seen by now,’ said Rose Bowl Riders barn manager, Ariel Wisch. One witness even reported seeing a horse matching Lilly’s description being led along Altadena Drive, but to date no one has stepped forward with further details.

Anyone with information on the missing horse is encouraged to call Boyle at (818) 359-3947 or contact the Rose Bowl Riders via email.

UPDATE 7/8/09: We regret to report that a member of the Rose Bowl Riders has found Lilly’s body; it’s believed she died in an accident after falling off a steep trail. Our condolences to her owner and those who knew her.

--Lindsay Barnett