Equestrian Network Magazine

Stolen Horse International And Netposse

by M. Y. Mim

It's one of a horse owner's worst nightmares.

Logo for Stolen Horse International.

You've settled in for the night, making sure the paddock locks are secure or the stables closed tightly. You've been especially careful with your best equine friend, a buddy for years, or with your prized competitive mount worth thousands of dollars.

It seems to be a night like any other.

But when you get up early to feed, instead of hearing a welcome nicker, you're greeted with silence. Your horse is gone, simply disappeared, and you stand in shock.

It happened to Debi Metcalf the night of September 26, 1997. Her mare Idaho, a member of the Metcalfe family for eight years, disappeared from her pasture. A search revealed a cut fence and hoof prints that ended abruptly where tire tracks began.

As many as 55,000 horses are reported stolen each year. A large part of SHI's work is to prevent theft through education, as well as to recover stolen horses with the NetPosse crew of volunteers.

For a full year, Debi put her business on hold and spearheaded the search for Idaho. She found that no structured, centralized resource for victims of horse theft existed. In desperation, she used a "shotgun" strategy to blanket as much of the USA as possible with flyers and to talk with every horse dealer, law officer, and auction house that would listen. Debi knew her search might be fruitless, but fifty-one weeks after the theft, a flyer ended up in the right place. Its reader made the call that brought Idaho home.

Debi Metcalfe and Idaho.
Photo by Sean Larkins.

And Debi vowed that no victim of horse theft would ever have to go it alone the hard way again.

That's when she formed NetPosse, to build an international network that disseminates images and information about missing and stolen horses.

Debi subscribes to Margaret Mead's statement: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens

can change the world...indeed, it is the only thing that ever has!"

NetPosse quickly became a part of Stolen Horse International, Inc.(SHI), which recently gained 501(c)(3) status, making donations to the seven-year-old horse-theft-recovery network tax deductible.

SHI brings attention to the major crime of horse theft. SHI's mission is to provide a comprehensive theft awareness program to all facets of the horse industry and offer educational opportunities for horse enthusiasts of all types and across all disciplines.

SHI's goals are:

To establish a global resource to aid in the search for:

* Missing horses

* Stolen horses

* Stolen tack

* Stolen trailers

* Owners of found horses;

To promote increased involvement through equestrian organizations;

To provide education opportunities to improve public awareness on horse theft and identification methods through seminars, presentations
and exhibits;

To provide resources and information to the law enforcement community.

Debi Metcalfe's book "Horse Theft: Been There? Done That."

As many as 55,000 horses are reported stolen each year. A large part of SHI's work is to prevent theft through education, as well as to recover stolen horses with the NetPosse crew of volunteers.

The prevention arm of Debi's work includes being a featured speaker at numerous events, including the prestigious Kentucky Equine Affaire in September 2005. She's even written a book, Horse Theft. Been There--Done That using her experience as a theft victim, combined with years of working with other victims worldwide.

According to Debi, this book covers the full spectrum of helpful information: prevention tips, recovery tips, identification methods, and helpful forms. The author wishes to bring the horse owner into the world of the victim though stories and email excerpts. Horse Theft. Been There--Done That is available for purchase through the website.

The rescue function of the organization is effective, efficient and outstanding - particularly when one realizes that Debi established this fewer than 10 years ago. The website presents photos and descriptions of both missing and found horses. Each time Debi receives a report of a stolen horse, she sends an Idaho Alert, named for Idaho, the stolen mare whose recovery was the beginning of SHI. This globally transmitted notice of a confirmed missing or stolen horse is sent to everyone on the alert list - which could be you. Anyone interested in helping out may sign up to receive alerts through the website. When a horse is missing, time is of the essence. With the SHI Idaho Alerts, (equine theft alert) you'll be able to view the flyer, pictures of the horse, description, and key information that may help bring him or her home.

Educate yourself about horse theft so you'll continue to hear that welcoming morning nicker. And sign up for Idaho Alerts to help those who wake up to silence.

For more information:
Wesbite: www.netposse.com
Contact: Stolen Horse International, Inc., PO Box 1341, Shelby, NC 28151, 704-484-2165
Horse enthusiasts can donate online through PayPal or send money to: SHI, PO Box 1341, Shelby, NC 28151

About the Author: M. Y. Mim is a free-lance journalist based in Santa Barbara, Ca. She may be reached at mymim3@cox.net, or through her agent R. Almqvist, 805-705-5349.

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