CANADA Canada - Ben Tyner, 32, cowboy, his horse returned w/o him, Merritt, British Columbia, 26 Jan 2019

[Trudie]

Sorry about that....I'll try to explain it more clearly but first I want to address the suggestion regarding his being trailered in.
Rather than riding right from the Homeranch (Lower Nicola, Merritt-Kamloops Hwy 5a) one can drive from the Homeranch via backroad up to the other side of the Coquihalla 5N-- basically due north from the ranch and drive up towards Swakum.

Coyote Valley Road -- goes from Nicola (right by homeranch) up and over towards Mamette Lk, joining the 97C @ Eight Mile Road. There are a few locked gates and it is more of a summer-only type of drive. So, a guy could get dropped off on that side and ride back to the homeranch. This area shares fenceline with some NR grazing land.

And another approach is again from the Mamette Lke Hwy 97C but being dropped off very close to the junction of #8 & 97C; a set of corrals there ... this way allows a ride through the reserve. I know BT searchers have been approaching from there.... ***Horse was found 7km from here.***

Another option either Clapperton Exit or Helmer Exit -- both stops along Coquihalla 5N.

I took a screen shot of a map that I like, not overlaying the terrain but if you want to browse over to tnrdmap.map.ca/myregionview This map has lots of layer options and encompasses the whole of the Kamloops Regional District....zoom in to Merritt and you'll easily see Nicola Lake landmark.

I understand the option to trailer in, we do that often, on large state land. Otherwise, we’d only cover the same area, lol.
Okay, reportedly Ben was last seen Saturday afternoon. Do you know where/when? Tysm.
I’m hoping you have more updates then we are getting.

 

[zecats]

I understand the option to trailer in, we do that often, on large state land. Otherwise, we’d only cover the same area, lol.
Okay, reportedly Ben was last seen Saturday afternoon. Do you know where/when? Tysm.
I’m hoping you have more updates then we are getting.

Actually updates have stated he was seen Saturday night. No details where. The article is upthread titled Search Narrowed.

Searchers narrow time frame of Merritt cowboy's disappearance

 

[enelram]

Maybe the trapper/hunter is the one who put the bug in Le's ear that someone trailered BT's horse off ranch property instead of
being ridden off. Didn't I read that KimR said that because of
no tracks from ranch and on side of mtn. they were searching,
they had to be looking in wrong area. Maybe his horse was
trailered to another area.
I hope his family is being told more than the public is being told.
So far, none of the public story makes sense.
I've seen pics of cowboys nearby to Merritt out searching for lost cows
on fb and they're a group of 3-4 riders and had dogs w/ them.. What would BT have done
alone if he found lost cows?

 

[Trudie]

Maybe the trapper/hunter is the one who put the bug in Le's ear that someone trailered BT's horse off ranch property instead of
being ridden off. Didn't I read that KimR said that because of
no tracks from ranch and on side of mtn. they were searching,
they had to be looking in wrong area. Maybe his horse was
trailered to another area.
I hope his family is being told more than the public is being told.
So far, none of the public story makes sense.
I've seen pics of cowboys nearby to Merritt out searching for lost cows
on fb and they're a group of 3-4 riders and had dogs w/ them.. What would BT have done
alone if he found lost cows?

He could turn back 4-6 alone, imo, his horse is probably out of cow stock. Dogs. Hmmm. They can be a big problem when horses & cows are in the same fields. Ben may only needed pen the cattle in an existing corral, also.
I’m sure there’s work stations all over the ranch.

 

[Trudie]

Actually updates have stated he was seen Saturday night. No details where. The article is upthread titled Search Narrowed.

Searchers narrow time frame of Merritt cowboy's disappearance

Thanks Z! Well, where was he Saturday night? Did he meet someone that offered to drive him? Maybe Anna can offer input from your link.
Reading between the lines, imo, RCMP believe he was dropped off.
On another note, I’m glad his brother got to ride with SAR, he could offer input, I’m sure.

 

[Trudie]

Well, I’ve been snooping around reading, wish I hadn’t.
I really think Ben met up with foul play.
Family & friends are very concerned Ben would go 17mi away with/o telling anyone. They feel he would not.
They want to know who trailered him & why he’s not coming forward. Also claim Ben’s horse was very well trained (I figured as much). Did Ben only get to Nr around Thanksgiving, so he’s only been in BC for appx two months?

Edited: modified

 

[?mysterian?]

I'm wondering how forthcoming with information the NR employees have been. On page 1 of this thread, it's reported that authorities were notified Monday afternoon that a riderless horse with saddle/tack was found, then the search started. Was he supposed to be off Monday also? Would he normally ride off alone, without anyone knowing where he was going?

 

[Trudie]

I'm wondering how forthcoming with information the NR employees have been. On page 1 of this thread, it's reported that authorities were notified Monday afternoon that a riderless horse with saddle/tack was found, then the search started. Was he supposed to be off Monday also? Would he normally ride off alone, without anyone knowing where he was going?

It would help if we could see if the tenant homes are close together, away from the main ranch, etc. his family seems to think he would NOT set out on HB without advising someone. I’m under the impression he has his phone but the battery died. Anyone know?
Idk Myst if he was to work Monday, or not. But, in his role, he’d have admin’ type things to do, imo. So, he wouldn’t necessarily be up & about at any certain time. He would need to schedule vet appointments, maintain records, etc. calving season isn’t too far off, so he would have a lot of prep work, imo. So, the guys under him would prob get started with their normal routine, whether they saw Ben or not.
I’m wondering, since he was hired as cattle manager, did he have a nicer home & it is off, more secluded? Did he live on an entirely dif’ road? There’s literally no pics!

 

[zecats]

It would help if we could see if the tenant homes are close together, away from the main ranch, etc. his family seems to think he would NOT set out on HB without advising someone. I’m under the impression he has his phone but the battery died. Anyone know?
Idk Myst if he was to work Monday, or not. But, in his role, he’d have admin’ type things to do, imo. So, he wouldn’t necessarily be up & about at any certain time. He would need to schedule vet appointments, maintain records, etc. calving season isn’t too far off, so he would have a lot of prep work, imo. So, the guys under him would prob get started with their normal routine, whether they saw Ben or not.
I’m wondering, since he was hired as cattle manager, did he have a nicer home & it is off, more secluded? Did he live on an entirely dif’ road? There’s literally no pics!

Reports have stated he's been there 3 months. There's a photo of him from early November riding around the land to get the feel of it and savor the scenery. Also read that he did not take his phone, and this was also questioned along with why he didn't tell anyone where he was going and why he went alone to round up strays.

 

[?mysterian?]

It would help if we could see if the tenant homes are close together, away from the main ranch, etc. his family seems to think he would NOT set out on HB without advising someone. I’m under the impression he has his phone but the battery died. Anyone know?
Idk Myst if he was to work Monday, or not. But, in his role, he’d have admin’ type things to do, imo. So, he wouldn’t necessarily be up & about at any certain time. He would need to schedule vet appointments, maintain records, etc. calving season isn’t too far off, so he would have a lot of prep work, imo. So, the guys under him would prob get started with their normal routine, whether they saw Ben or not.
I’m wondering, since he was hired as cattle manager, did he have a nicer home & it is off, more secluded? Did he live on an entirely dif’ road? There’s literally no pics!

Yeah, it's strange, IMO. I'd like to see a map of the ranch, with the location his horse was found and the location the broken rein was found, but I guess we have to be content with knowing SAR hopefully looked in the most likely places for him, based on what info they could gather. I'm just sorry they didn't find him.

Eta: re: his phone-- not sure how reliable the signal would be in that area, if there's one at all.

 

[Trudie]

Actually updates have stated he was seen Saturday night. No details where. The article is upthread titled Search Narrowed.

Searchers narrow time frame of Merritt cowboy's disappearance

Okay, why won’t LE come forward & reveal where Ben was last seen? Because they have a lead, imo. Otherwise, why not flash his pic with “have you seen this man, he was at AAAdiner Saturday @ 7”.
So, was he out Saturday’s seen with someone & LE interviewed him? Or, did NR guys see him Saturday?
I’m guessing he was outside on the ranch, feeding his dog/horse, at some point.
Wish his brother could have seen his horse. We all saddle our specific way, I think his bro would know immediately if
Ben had tacked his horse.

 

[Trudie]

Yeah, it's strange, IMO. I'd like to see a map of the ranch, with the location his horse was found and the location the broken rein was found, but I guess we have to be content with knowing SAR hopefully looked in the most likely places for him, based on what info they could gather. I'm just sorry they didn't find him.

I did see on SM locals are looking in the dark. Maybe they are camping or hunkering in cabins? Idk.

 

[zecats]

Yeah, it's strange, IMO. I'd like to see a map of the ranch, with the location his horse was found and the location the broken rein was found, but I guess we have to be content with knowing SAR hopefully looked in the most likely places for him, based on what info they could gather. I'm just sorry they didn't find him.

Eta: re: his phone-- not sure how reliable the signal would be in that area, if there's one at all.

Check this page. Some have drawn and labeled maps of the area and where the horse was found...in the comment sections, I believe under Ideas heading.
MISSING: BEN TYNER

 

[Trudie]

Check this page. Some have drawn and labeled maps of the area and where the horse was found...in the comment sections, I believe under Ideas heading.
MISSING: BEN TYNER

Tysm Z. Great site.
So many unknowns.

Ben, where are you?

 

[?mysterian?]

Check this page. Some have drawn and labeled maps of the area and where the horse was found...in the comment sections, I believe under Ideas heading.
MISSING: BEN TYNER

Thanks!

 

[Trudie]

Okay, idea! Well send SweetAnna to get pics tomorrow. She can do a farm tour, lol! She’s closest.

Has NR owner addressed this horrific situation or offered any assistance?

Mysterian, his phone battery would have died very fast searching for a signal.

 

[Gracie55]

Reports have stated he's been there 3 months. There's a photo of him from early November riding around the land to get the feel of it and savor the scenery. Also read that he did not take his phone, and this was also questioned along with why he didn't tell anyone where he was going and why he went alone to round up strays.

I was hunting for mention of whether he had his phone. Funny you brought it up just now! I think that's the million dollar liar question. Why wouldn't he have his one, even if he was out of range? Odd odd odd.

 

[Trudie]

I was hunting for mention of whether he had his phone. Funny you brought it up just now! I think that's the million dollar liar question. Why wouldn't he have his one, even if he was out of range? Odd odd odd.

I saw something on SM addressing the ph. Because no towers are close, it would die searching for a signal, unless he had it off.

 

[Trudie]

Here’s my thoughts:
If Ben somehow injured & made it to shelter, he KNOWS he must get outside in the daylight. If he was in a cabin or structure, he would use any object he could to attract attention. He’s not new to this, he grew up in the elements, he’s lived this life his entire life.
Sadly, I see little hope for a good outcome. He’s been gone too long. If he made it, by now, he’s near starvation, imo. Combined with hypothermia, possible injuries, can it be any worse?

Another thought I’ve had, with previous layoffs, why did NR feel it necessary to bring in an outsider? Bet that went over really well. Jmo

 

[Wish I Knew]

I’m thinking of WS thread on Connie Johnson, the camp cook, missing in ID. She has never been found. How sad.
Missing cowboy/girl cases are so perplexing due to the massive land.
Back in the fall, I dropped an expensive pair of sunglasses during a ride on 1k acre farm. The next day, it took me 8 hours to find them & I knew exactly where I had been. Now, had I sent friends to search, they’d still be looking.

I can vouch for this info! My horse pulled his shoe IN OUR RIDING ARENA!!! And it took 3 of us 30 minutes to find that sucker! And just as you said, we knew roughly where he pulled it...