There seems to be an issue wherein if the world was saved while riding a horse/boat etc and then reloaded the ridden entity would have despwaned. I tried to get around this by securing and dismounting from my horse before exiting but upon reload alas the horse was gone! To date I have lost two trusty steeds (with saddles!) and a boat (and nearly drowned!!). Please advise.

many thanks

p.s. Is there any way I can get my stuff back?