Missing Myakka City horse found dead

Cloud, a draft cross mare that went missing from her Myakka City home, was found dead Friday morning.

A press release from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reported that Cloud was located in an overgrown pond located in the 30600 block of Betts Road, less than a mile from her home. 

“There are no signs of foul play,” the release said. “Deputies believe that the 16-year-old grey and white mare wandered into the grassy pond area, became stuck in the soft mud and ultimately died.”

Calls to Connie Smith, the mare’s owner, and Sgt. Robert Hendrickson, supervisor of MCSO’s rural unit, were not returned Friday.

Cloud was a well-known horse in the area. She was one of the beach horses that gave rides around Palma Sola Bay. 

Florida Beach Horses had offered a $10,000 reward for any information that led to Cloud’s safe return.