Thermal imaging drone helps find missing horse in Ludowici

LUDOWICI, Ga. (WTOC) - [Updated as of 9/19/25] A missing horse in Ludowici was found alive and well by drone late Thursday night.

Animal control was notified Monday about a horse that got away from its owner Sunday. They said the horse had all her tack and saddle still attached to her with no sightings or calls related to the horse in over four days.

After reaching out to multiple agencies for help, animal control said the Long County Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency was able to bring drone aid.

After about an hour of searching, the drone’s thermal imaging was able to find the horse.

While airborne the drone then guided the mare’s owners to the horse, who was finally retrieved alive and well at 11:30 p.m. Thursday night.

[ORIGINAL STORY] Second Chances Equine Rescue shared a social media post of a horse they say has been missing for at least a few days.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Spotlight on Second Chances Equine Rescue in Hinesville

The rescue says this mare is loose with all of her tack still on.

“Friends we need your help. This mare is loose around Stewart Hodges Loop NE, Ludowici, GA - with all her tack still on! Please keep your eyes open and let us know if you see any signs of her,” wrote Second Chances Equine Rescue in a social media post.

In their comments on social media they emphasized, “The tack is a problem, reins were still attached so may be hung up on something.”

We reached out to the owner who described the mare as a black and bay Paso Fino horse.

If you see this mare you can reach out to the Second Chances Equine Rescue here.