MUDDY CREEK TWP — A Portersville man’s blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit last month when his pickup truck careened into a pasture and killed a horse, according to state police.

State police Wednesday charged 55-year-old Douglas E. Ebeling with drunken driving and several traffic violations in the March 17 crash on Route 488 in Muddy Creek Township.

Investigators said Ebeling was westbound just after 6 p.m. when he lost control of his 2002 Dodge Dakota. The truck went off the road and hit a utility pole and fence before traveling 100 yards through the pasture and into the horse.

The 16-year-old paint horse, which was standing in the 11-acre field, was killed instantly, authorities said.

Ebeling, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered minor injuries.

Trooper Jason Frances immediately suspected the crash was alcohol related.

Ebeling confirmed the trooper’s suspicions, according to court documents, admitting he had been drinking at the Longhorn Corral saloon on Route 422 in Franklin Township.

But he said he couldn’t recall what happened during the crash.

While being interviewed later at Butler Memorial Hospital, Ebeling told Frances, “I screwed up. You got me,” documents said.

Toxicology results from a blood test subsequently showed his blood-alcohol level was 0.179 percent.

Under state law, a level of 0.08 percent is considered intoxicated for drivers.

Ebeling is charged with driving under the influence, careless driving, failing to keep right, disregarding traffic lanes and a seat belt violation.