Desperate Search Underway for Missing Beloved Horse

Key Takeaways

• Auckland rider Erin Swainston and her horse Scooter were separated after a rogue wave hit them while they were in the water at Muriwai Beach.
• A massive search effort was undertaken, with hundreds of people online and on the ground, to find Scooter.
• After 24 hours, Scooter was found in Woodhill Forest by two women who were part of the search party.
• Scooter was reunited with Swainston, and despite his ordeal, he was in good condition with no cuts, no scrapes, and no dehydration.
• The search effort was aided by social media, with posts and messages being shared to help find Scooter.

Introduction to the Incident
Auckland rider Erin Swainston knew she had to let go of the reins of her horse, Scooter, when he lost his footing in the water at Muriwai Beach. A massive rogue wave had hit them, causing Scooter to thrash about and attempt to get his feet underneath him. Swainston was thrown off and separated from Scooter, who took off on his own in fright. The incident occurred on Sunday, and it marked the beginning of a 24-hour ordeal for Swainston and the search party.

The Search Effort
The search for Scooter began with Swainston messaging her friends and family, asking for their help in finding her beloved horse. The message was soon posted on social media, and the search effort quickly gained momentum. A Facebook group was created to help find Scooter, with about 200 members joining the search on the ground. Approximately 150 people were searching on Muriwai Beach and combing nearby Woodhill Forest. Posts with photos of Scooter were shared on social media, pleading for any sightings. The response from the community was overwhelming, with people from all over the country, as well as from Australia and the UK, joining in the search effort.

The Emotional Rollercoaster
Swainston described the experience as the scariest thing she had ever gone through. She felt her panic rising as she realized Scooter was gone, and she didn’t know if they would ever be reunited. The search effort was ongoing for over 24 hours, with no sightings of Scooter. Swainston was starting to lose hope, thinking that Scooter could have gone anywhere in the massive area. However, the community’s efforts and the sharing of posts and messages on social media helped her hold onto hope when it felt impossible to do so.

The Reunion
Scooter was eventually found by two women, Liz and Rachel, who were part of the search party. They found him in some undergrowth in Woodhill Forest, and he came rushing down a path. Swainston was overjoyed when she received the news that Scooter had been found. She was still searching for him herself, riding an e-bike in the forest, when her mother called to tell her the good news. Swainston was overcome with emotion, and she burst into tears when she was reunited with Scooter.

The Aftermath
Scooter was checked by a vet and was found to be in good condition, with no cuts, no scrapes, and no dehydration, despite his ordeal. Swainston was grateful for the community’s support and thanked the hundreds of people who had helped in the search effort. She said that the kindness, time, and care shown by the community meant more to her and her mother than they could ever explain. Scooter has been pampered with a massage rug back at the pony club, and Swainston said that she and Scooter would probably not venture into waves again, opting instead to stick to the estuary or lakes.

Conclusion
The story of Erin Swainston and her horse Scooter is a testament to the power of community and the importance of never giving up hope. The search effort, which was aided by social media, brought people together and helped to reunite Swainston with her beloved horse. The experience was emotional and challenging, but ultimately, it had a happy ending. Swainston’s gratitude towards the community and her love for Scooter are a reminder of the strong bond between horses and their owners, and the importance of supporting one another in times of need.