‘If she doesn’t have the instinct to move down, she will not survive’: Owner races winter to find horse lost on Mount Adams

Melissa Hoemann is asking hikers, hunters, and anyone else heading to Mount Adams to watch for her 21-year-old horse, Cheyenne, who has been missing since Oct. 7. Snow is now falling at the elevation where Cheyenne disappeared.

“If she doesn’t have the instinct or ability to move down in elevation as winter storms come in, she will not survive,” Hoemann said on “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio.

How Cheyenne got away

Hoemann describes Cheyenne as a gray mare who was fully saddled and wearing a bridle when she disappeared during a trail ride. She may have lost some of that gear since. Cheyenne is fit from years of mountain trail riding, but she has some arthritis and may be limping.

Hoemann explained that she had gotten off Cheyenne to take pictures, something they do all the time. Usually Cheyenne waits until she’s done.

“On this day, for whatever reason, she was just like, ‘Peace out! I’m gonna go back down the mountain and see you later,’” Hoemann said.

Cheyenne moved too fast for Hoemann to grab her and disappeared around a switchback.

“She is not the kind to take off, and it is an enormous, enormous trail system and forest system out there,” Hoemann said.

First signs after 18 days

For three weeks, horse riders and hikers searched the trails every day. Last weekend, as a winter storm moved in, they found hoofprints and manure that Hoemann believes are Cheyenne’s. It was the first sign of her in 18 days.

The tracks may have been a couple of weeks old. With snow falling, the searchers had to stop and get their own horses off the mountain safely.

Hoemann explained that the area has plenty of grass, water, and tree cover, so Cheyenne has what she needs to survive for now. The problem is the elevation. Cheyenne was lost at about 6,000 feet, where the snow piles up deep.

“They’re very hardy animals; they can deal with winter weather quite well,” Hoemann said.

Cheyenne’s survival depends on whether she heads down the mountain on her own.

Where to look and how to help

Hoemann is especially asking for help from people with experience in winter or backcountry hiking or hunting. She wants them to watch for Cheyenne or any sign of her around Keenes Horse Camp, Midway Meadows, Potato Hill, and the nearby Pacific Crest Trail and trailheads.

Modern elk hunting season starts next weekend. Hoemann expects more people to be in the forest then, though she isn’t sure how many will go into that area. Her supporters have been sharing her flyer in outdoor groups on Facebook.

“That may be the best option that we have for finding her at this point,” Hoemann said.

Anyone who spots Cheyenne should call Hoemann directly at 253-970-6155. She explained that the ranger district, 911, or non-emergency lines might not know how to handle the situation. The Washington Animal Rescue Team can’t search for Cheyenne but can help get her out once she’s found.

Cheyenne is friendly, Hoemann noted. Still, she asks that people who aren’t familiar with horses avoid chasing her or approaching her in a way that could scare her into running.

‘An amazing response’

Hoemann has spent her time searching the mountain on horseback. She credited volunteers online with spreading the word for her.

“It’s been really amazing to see the outpouring of support,” Hoemann said.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3