A REWARD is being offered for the safe return of Josh the veteran 'gentle giant' hunting horse after an extensive search for the 28-year-old dark bay gelding drew a blank.

Described as one of the best-known horses in the West, Josh - formerly of the Badminton-based Beaufort Hunt – was living out his days in semi-retirement when he went missing last week from a field at Sherston, near Malmesbury.

Around 40 people, some with dogs, on Saturday carried out a major search for Josh who, it was feared, may have fled his field and fallen into a river, become stuck in thick brambles or had a heart attack.

But they found no sign of the huge, distinctive looking horse who stands 17.2 hands, or nearly 6ft tall at the shoulder, and is easily identifiable because of a convex shape Roman nose.

Josh is the famed mount of Beaufort Hunt secretary Nigel Maidment who was on permanent loan with Guy and Lottie Bostock in Sherston when he vanished on May 20.

Mr Maidment, of Cleverton, near Chippenham, said: “We are obviously very distressed at Josh’s disappearance.

“He is a quiet, calm horse who is very friendly and well known. People give him apples. He is a gentle giant.”

Mr Maidment said that since Josh vanished there had been an extraordinary response from people keen to help to find him, with more than 3,000 Facebook shares in just a few days.

There was also a large turn-out on Saturday when people scoured the fields, woods and countryside around Sherston.

Mr Maidment said: “There are a lot of brambles and thickets in the area, we perhaps thought he may have become stuck, or fallen and broken a leg or had a heart attack. But there was no sign whatsoever.

“Not knowing what has happened to him is worst.”

He went on: “Someone has him, and if they have stolen him then we can assume they are looking after him and that he is safe.

“Whoever it is must be feeling that Josh is hot property.”

He stressed that at 28 Josh had no 'selling on' value and that he had no horse passport.

For many years Josh was owned by a local farmer who rode with Beaufort Hunt before Mr Maidment acquired him eight years ago.

He had loaned him to the Bostocks to help Mr Bostock learn to ride and to allow the lovable horse to live out his days in semi-retirement.

“Guy and I would be happy to offer some small reward for his safe return,” he said.

Mr Maidment, who did not stipulate the amount, added: “All we can do is keep an eye open, and, with all the social media, hope he turns up.”

Anyone with information on Josh’s whereabouts is urged to contact police on 101 or leave a message with Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.