Grateful for size of search party
For those of us who enjoy the beauty of the Deer Grove Forest Preserve, I'd like to tell everyone how lucky we are to have such wonderful Cook County police, Cook County Forest Preserve workers, and Palatine police.
What started out as an enjoyable horseback riding outing with my friend Jay (on his horse, Huff) could have turned into tragedy without the cohesive help of everyone.
While trail riding next to the large bike path just east of Quentin Road, our two horses panicked when they saw a recumbent bike with a "scary" large orange flag waving in the wind. We've ridden these trails for years and my horse has never been afraid of bikes.
The horses took off at an uncontrollable gallop. My horse, Garth, backed into the bushes, I slid off (only scratches to my arms), and he took off into the woods. Jay walked the long walk back to the stables with Huff in hand (he lost his stirrups), looking for Garth.
In a panic, I immediately called 911 who was able to get the Cook County police on the line. They dispatched an officer on bicycle who scoured the woods and trails. They also notified the Palatine police and an animal control officer arrived. Deer Grove Forest Preserve workers were wonderful and scoured the trails up and down for Garth. People walking and biking all volunteered to help.
I called Palatine Stables where Garth is boarded and immediately Melissa and Jean starting walking the many miles of trails calling for Garth. After about two hours I walked up an unmarked trail and then saw new hoof prints. I started running and calling for Garth, who then trotted toward me out of the forest ahead, as if to say, "Oh, you were looking for me?!"
The reins were between his legs, he had one loose shoe, a few extra mosquito bites, but he was fine. I called my three sons who were out on the paths, the officers, the stable, and we met up at Reinberg Camp. Toni and Krysta (trainers from the Stables) met us and offered to trailer Garth back, but Jean and Melissa, who held Garth's reins, walked back with me from the camp to the Stables. Only horse lovers would offer that long walk!
Again, thank you to all of you ... my sons, my friends, and those that I didn't even know that looked for Garth. Without all of your help, I would not have been able to find him alone.
Jodie Diegel
Palatine