Missing Freeland horse found

A Freeland horse missing for 13 days after becoming spooked and running off in the Kettles Park Trail System west of Coupeville has been found, apparently none the worse for wear.

A Freeland horse missing for 13 days after becoming spooked and running off in the Kettles Park Trail System west of Coupeville has been found, apparently none the worse for wear.

Rebel, an 8-year-old Rocky Mountain gelding, was seen trotting down a trail in the heavily wooded area Thursday morning about two miles south of where he disappeared, said Mark Morley of Freeland.

The horse was following a jogger, Morley said, and the jogger called 911.

“He has all his tack on and appears to be in good shape,” Morley said Thursday morning of Rebel. “They’re bringing him down in a horse trailer now.”

Rebel ran off from the parking area near the intersection of Highway 20 and Libby Road in the northeast corner of the trail system about 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28.

Throughout the following days, several people joined the search, including members of the Island County Chapter of Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, other horse enthusiasts and a number of people on foot.

The horse is owned by Morley’s father, Mike Morley, who lives on five acres along Highway 525 in Freeland. Morley has had Rebel for about six years, and also owns another horse.

“He appears to be just fine,” Mark Morley said of Rebel. “It’s amazing.”