Sizzle's theft had a broad impact not only because she was a live animal whose fate was unknown, but because this particular horse was a popular icon in Black Hawk College's Equestrian Program. More than 500 students have learned so much from this beloved mare, as have 4-H families during the summer.

Surprisingly, though the college campus had security measures in place, including cameras, the thieves walked into her barn late one night and led her away. She literally vanished into the dark.

The campus police took immediate action and began tracking all possible leads. They were dedicated from the

Founder and president, Debi Metcalfe, has acquired a reputation as a renowned horse theft expert and has established a vast network of contacts over the last ten years. Because of its credibility and extensive outreach, NetPosse has access to thousands of people and hundreds of organizations that could help locate a missing or stolen horse, or provide other valuable resources. One of these contacts is Tom Seay, founder of Best of America by Horseback.

An avid horseperson, Tom, his wife Pat, and a crew travel across the U.S. throughout the year hosting trail rides filmed and aired on RFD-TV. Tom also once produced a weekly radio show broadcast on World Talk Radio, and Debi had a weekly guest spot. Shortly after NetPosse posted Sizzle's information, Debi used her time on the radio show to profile the mare's theft. During this airing, Tom graciously offered a $1,000 reward for Sizzle's recovery.

The Ripple Effect of Horse Theft

On July 8, an unexpected moment led to the recognition of Sizzle. A former student, who once rode her in the

It turned out that a family had purchased the mare five weeks earlier for their 14-year-old daughter, who affectionately called her Spice. They had no idea she had been stolen.

Unfortunately, this is the ripple effect of horse theft.

Sizzle's successful recovery is the result of the efforts of many organizations and individuals. Desirae Haar is to be commended for identifying Sizzle so she could be brought home. The campus police did an outstanding job in their investigation of the theft, and NetPosse volunteers provided invaluable assistance.

Relinquishing the mare to her rightful owner was very difficult for this family, and they mourn her loss. However, the recovery gave another extended family the chance to heal. Sizzle was safely returned to her summer home a few days later to the joy of Donna Irvin, Black Hawk's Equestrian Science Professor. Because of Sizzle's theft, Irvin headed up a new effort to promote horse theft awareness in the form of a day-long program, which also celebrated Sizzle's recovery.

A Day to Celebrate and Educate

Locating Sizzle on the weekend of the Fourth was truly a cause to celebrate,

The event included microchipping and freeze branding of more than a dozen of the program's horses by Dr. Colleen Lewis, Galva Regional Veterinary Services, along with presentations by Debi and Chief Fiems on horse identification and theft.

On behalf of Stolen Horse International and Tom Seay of Best of America by Horseback, Debi was honored to hand over the reward check and also make the acquaintance of Desirae and a very content Sizzle. Debi described the soon-to-be-married Desirae as a deserving and very nice young lady. She also gave Desirae a copy of her popular book "Horse Theft - Been There Done That," while donating a farm security sign to the college.

As for Sizzle's theft, Chief Fiems states that four suspects have been arrested and charged. At this time, the court case is still pending, but this is a huge step in this case, as many thieves are never caught, much less arrested.

While Sizzle is now safely back in her stall and surrounding by the staff and students who are so fond of her, it is important to remember that Sizzle is not the only stolen or missing horse. Thousands are stolen or become missing each year, and horse owners need to be proactive. Visit NetPosse.com for tips to protect your horses and property and for other stories like Sizzle's.