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Welcome to The Complete Source for All Things Related to Missing Horses, Tack, Equipment and Farm Crimes!
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Stolen Horse International/NetPosse.com is a non-profit organization founded specifically to assist horse owners with recovering horses lost through theft. Our mission includes providing comprehensive theft awareness programs to all facets of the horse industry and educational opportunities for horse enthusiasts of all types and across all disciplines.
At Stolen Horse International, we are as passionate about horses as you are. We email you the latest theft and missing horse information, along with horse interest stories and reports from horse theft victims. We investigate and share theft prevention techniques that really work. Debi Metcalfe, President Stolen Horse International, Inc. |
| August 2012 NetPosse News |
 | | Michelle Pool with her daughters sees her horse for the first time in nearly ten years |
Dang! Sometimes We Are Just Good & Lucky!!
NetPosse.com a.k.a Stolen Horse International keeps the notices of all horses, pets, livestock, trailers, and tack posted on the internet for quite literally YEARS. The reason is simple-thieves tend to think that they have "gotten away with it" and subsequently will post the animal or equipment for sale. All it takes is one sharp eyed person-and the ball gets rolling.
Think we're joking? We're not. Ask Michelle Pool. Her horse was stolen nearly TEN YEARS ago. But you need to read the story-and see the video.
TODAY.com website article We're PUMPED! this is national exposure that money can't buy! Please share with all your horse friends!!
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Stolen Horse Has History of Civil War Re-Enactments
The most sought after horse on the planet is probably the "bomb-proof" horse. Surely one that is accustomed to black powder musket fire and cannons would come pretty close to filling that lofty description!
"Doozie" fits that description-his owner rides him in Civil War re-enactments in and around Choctaw, OK. If you have never been around black powder gunfire, well, you've missed something. It's loud-just one gun going off. If an entire regiment cuts loose, it is really something. A single cannon up close can be deafening. A horse that will tolerate this is special.
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And the Rains Came....
Something that we at Netposse try to get across to people is-check your insurance policies.
Now why do we do that? Well, it is because normal homeowners policies have things in them that will bite a horse owner in the sitting down place really bad. It did these people. We don't want this to happen to anybody.
Let's get a couple of things straight from the start-this is standard operating policies for ALL insurance companies-not just theirs. It is as much their fault for not asking as it is the agent's for not offering. They knew the property was "flood plain" when they purchased it and went to insure it. The words caveat emptor still apply.
Still-it IS a tragedy. There is the financial loss-their home, fencing, tool shed, hay, barn, but there is also the animals. They lost goats and horses-miniatures. Read the local news story here.
How can YOU avoid at least the financial hardship? Believe it or not, flood insurance is relatively cheap. Unless you are in an area that floods frequently, the insurance companies offer fairly good rates. It is worth the investment.
What about the actual flooding? We preach (and we realize that is the only word for it!) being prepared. Be ready to hitch up and go if you need to. Have all your stock trailer trained. This is no time for one to need that winch in the front of the trailer to get in! Have sufficient halters and leads for everybody. Make sure you have ID's in place and your documentation with you. Know where you are heading for shelter. Have sufficient funds available. Visit netposse.com for more hints and details!
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FOUND!!
Never underestimate the power of one!
Sammie is home because of Netposse-and we've got the video to prove it!
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 | | Credit Card-the horse killed/dismembered |
SAU Rodeo Horse Theft /Abuse Saddles & Tack Theft / Trailer Theft Trials: Update
Continuing our "saga" of sorts, we now report that Wendi Cox, mother of Jaci Rae Jackson, was charged with cruelty to animals, concealing stolen property, four counts of theft of property over $5,000, and one count of theft of property over $25,000.
Ms. Cox's boyfriend, William "Billy" Hamilton, has also been charged with animal cruelty, concealing stolen property, four counts of theft of property over $5,000, and one count of theft of property over $25,000. He is also dealing with federal charges involving interstate flight to avoid arrest. He was apprehended in Florida when his new girlfriend found out about his past and turned him in. (Never keep your old girlfriend's phone number on your cellphone and leave it where the new one can find it-especially if you are still talking to the old girlfriend!)
The kicker to all this? The local law enforcement has kicked over enough rocks to find out that ANOTHER of the defendants, George Berish, who has admitted to taking the trailer and the saddles plus the rest of the tack to sell, has been involved in the thefts of 15 black heifers valued at about $10,500 from an Ogden, AK ranch. Stolen heifers
These people apparently believe in diversification.
Want to learn more? Got you covered!
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 | | All decked out |
Safety During Hunting Season
Now we know this guy is obviously ready for the Christmas season, but the point is-you notice him and that horse. You would even hear them coming with bells on all four feet and the breastplate. Halter, ribbons in the mane, saddle pad, ribbons in the tail, and leg wraps are all eye catching color. A hunter who shoots this rider or his horse was AIMING at them and had no excuse whatsoever!
But what if a deer jumps up in front of this horse and spooks it? If the rider falls off, and the horse panics and leaves, what then? Could you identify YOUR horse? your saddle? How would you do it? We're talking positive ID, folks-not just walking up and telling somebody "oh, yeah, that's my horse" because anybody can do that.
While we're at it, could you identify YOURSELF? Would you have your insurance information on you if that fall caused serious injury and you were unconscious and unable to speak? How would emergency personnel notify your family? Allergies? Medical conditions?
Look for the upcoming series of articles on "Preventative Theft Therapy" by our editor, Ellen Wright. There will be just tons of hints and helpful information coming!
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Living Large-On Somebody Else's Money
The RV alone is something to die for. Most of us do not have amenities like these in our homes-let alone in a traveling hotel. According to the U.S. Marshall's Service in charge of seized inventory, "no expense was spared". It featured a king sized bed, multiple HDTVs, leather upholestry, and a fully-stocked kitchen in addition to two slide-outs. Total estimated value of the coach is over $2 MILLION dollars. Yes-it's for sale at auction if you are interested. Article listing all the furnishings
Why is this RV for sale? Well, Rita Crundwell was comptroller for Dixon City, WI-and she systematically redirected city funds into her own accounts according to the feds. She then purchased land, houses, barns, and over 400 Quarter horses-which she bred and showed all over the country. How long did it take her to loot all this money? They're not sure, but they think it was over 20 years. How much money was taken? Last total was $53 MILLION and still counting. the official website
What's happening with all that stuff? The feds are auctioning it off-NOW. auction article The auction will continue through September 30 and includes all of the horses.
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Click the banner and visit the NetPosse store today!
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NetPosse Seeking Store Donations
We all have horse things that we just don't use anymore. If you have new or gently worn tack, jewelry, horse nic naks etc., that are cluttering up your drawers and tack rooms, here's your chance to support Stolen Horse International/ NetPosse.com. We want your stuff to list in the NetPosse Store. Proceeds will be used for victims' services and educational programs. Email us for more information on how to donate today at stolenhorse@netposse.com.
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NetPosse at the Equestrian Exchange Sale in Raleigh, NC
Debi Metcalfe will be there and there will be items for sale such as english girths and pads, western pads, microchips, Netposse signs, t-shirts, and more.
If you want to bring items for the annual eBay auction, please do so. This will be a great time to get them to Debi so they can be sorted, photographed, described, and tagged for the event. Plus, you will get out of having to ship the items to her. The Equestrian Exchange benefits other programs other than Netposse, but all programs are engaged in educational and victim of disaster (weather, theft, abuse). Prices are low-sometimes ridiculously low-so this would be a great time to restock, replace, or buy gifts.
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Social Media - Link to Spread the Word!
This is the primary means by which NetPosse.com aka Stolen Horse International works - and works so well. We're connected to each other via the internet. It is lightening fast - many of us do it by smartphones and other devices that have Bluetooth - we are networked with other equine organizations - and news spreads like wildfire.
When you join, you will get all the newsletters, notices as they happen, and breaking news. All we ask that you do is A. share with your friends, and B. donate to support us if you can. (If you can volunteer to help out, we probably won't say no to that either!)
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Click the image to learn more.
Southern States S.H.O.W. Program
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Police Blotter
Denton, TX--A man reported that his girlfriend woke him from sleep in his horse trailer by pounding on the door. It seems that a life-long buddy of his was driving off with a 5 year old chestnut mare worth $700, a 2 year old sorrel stud colt worth $250, a shotgun, and a 22 caliber rifle along with another "friend". The friend was described as having brown hair, blue or green eyes, a fake left leg, and a country accent. (July 25, 2012)
Nova Scotia, Canada -- The RCMP arrested a man for stealing a truck and trailer that not only had an occupant inside it, but had two horses still tied to it. He drove off with the rig and dragged the animals for an unknown distance before they broke away. The occupant of the trailer escaped when the truck slowed for a turn-and then waited for law enforcement. Multiple charges are pending. The horses? They have extensive road rash and are being treated, but they'll be okay. Nova Scotia theft
Surat Basin, Western Australia - Will Campbell went out to check on his 9 Quarter horses in their paddock one morning - and they weren't there. He rode the property - and still couldn't find them. A friend used his aircraft to do an aerial search to no avail. They were stolen. Police were promptly notified, and neighboring ranchers brought in on the search. Then one day, he walked out, and there, in a holding pen were his horses. They were thin and had not been watered in some time, but they were otherwise healthy. No explanation for the theft or the return has been found. Police are still searching for answers. Will Campbell |
Family Feud!
We wish we were making a joke about the game show. Apparently, the folks in Mingo County, WV are taking this very seriously. Certainly the accused family is doing so.
It seems the Nichols family decided to leave on vacation a few weeks back. When they arrived back home in the Dingess area, one of the horses was missing. Whoever came onto the property had to come through two gates to remove the horse.
Now neighbors say they have seen a teenage girl riding that horse. Hmmm.
After some investigation, Mr. Nichols found where the horse was being kept. Oddly, that horse and several others were spray painted with that girl's initials. He also stated that the horses did not have water, had bad whip marks, and one had a bad saddle sore to the point that bone was visible.
Witnesses have stated that the horses have been seen racing an ATV in the extreme heat.
The girl's family has refused to talk to the Nichols family. The story told to the media is very different.
Mingo County Sheriff's Department is investigating.
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And Now For Some Olympic Dressage ....
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Time is A-Wasting!!
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All donations for the annual ebay NetPosse Auction in November need to come in as soon as possible.
These items will have to be tagged, photographed, priced, and listed by our super wonderful volunteers (who do this in their spare time!)
Please help us out-get this stuff in as soon as possible-and thanks for your support!
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Ellen Wright, Editor
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Volunteers, the Pride of NetPosse.com If you have always dreamed of doing what you love and working among a group of motivated, caring and like-minded people, then volunteering for NetPosse.com is the destination of your dreams! You can make a difference!
You are required to have an account at NetPosse.com before you can register to become a volunteer.
Please either login to an existing account or register to make a new account. Once you login go to "My Account" at the top of the page and click on the Volunteer button.
Do you have favorite pictures you would like to let NetPosse.com use for the newsletter, website, news stories etc? You can submit them anytime. They can be of anything. If you like to draw and have a cartoon especially for NetPosse.com, we want to see it. Follow the link below and drop them in our photo Dropbox. Explore NetPosse.com! Learn how to sign up to be a NetPosse volunteer with these easy instructions. You will need to login to NetPosse.com Click here. 
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She Has Been Looking For YOU!!
Education is a very important part of what we do at Stolen Horse International/NetPosse. Each time we are at a public event we have opportunities to reach more people for victims and to provide education that we don't find on facebook or behind a computer at a desk.
Debi's schedule
- NEW--AUGUST 30-SEPT 3-EQUESTRIAN EXCHANGE TACK CONSIGNMENT SALE!! Debi will be present and will be able to accept any and all donations for the annual eBay auction in November. In addition, NetPosse WILL have a booth with items for sale! Volunteer help will be appreciated. Let Debi know if you can help. link to info
- NOV.2-4,2012 Equine Extravaganza at the Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, VA This is an all-breed event. They are featuring Guy McLean, winner of the Road to the Horse, and Chase Dodd, 2 time Extreme Mustang Makeover winner. Lots of clinicians, lots to see and do, and lots of Christmas Shopping!!
- OCTOBER 2012 There is a possibility that Debi may be in TX for an event there IF she can get a sponsor! (Anybody willing to do this, please call!)
Click HERE for Debi Metcalfe's public appearance calendar.
For clinics, group seminars and demonstrations on theft prevention and permanent identification methods, email Debi Metcalfe here.
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Missing Horses
Otteridge Safari-searching for whereabouts, MD
Rapid Wind-Shelby, NC-Searching
Sweetie & Tippy-Dallas, TX, Missing
Jojo, Pebble, & Miranda-UT/Missing
Miro & Bravada _Berryville, VA/Missing
Little Big Man-Ellwood City, PA/MissingEbony's Black Bell-Dora, MO/Missing
Due & Orion-Johnstown, PA, Missing
Trevioso-Eustis, FL-Missing
Prettylittledevil (Ping) & Jake -Salisbury, MD/Missing
Brown-Lyons, MI/Missing
Jejokat's Yushan "Ticky"-Alexander, NC-Missing
Patches Misty-Sharpsville, IN/Missing
Sport-Texarkana, TX/Missing
My name is Earl-Iompoc, CA/Missing
Little Cruise "lC"- Zebulon, NC-Missing
Jose-Billings, MT
Earlylight-Westmoreland, PA/Missing
Suzy & Echo-Harvard, IL/Missing
Cotchee-Apple Valley, CA-Missing
Opposing Force "Pete"-MO, but could be bound for Mexico
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Recoveries
(for more reports on recovered horses, pets, trailers -visit Reports )
Reata - Stolen TX - Recovered
Sammie - Missing NC - Recovered
BZ - Missing NC - Recovered
Austin - Stolen TX - Recovered
Royal - Missing AL - Recovered
Shiloh - Missing FL - Recovered
Miracle & Cherokee Rose-Recovered/SC
Excalibur Hollywood Style-Recovered/NY
Freeburn-Recovered/IL
Rebel-Recovered/WY
Angel & Star-Apopka FL-missing, Found
Bubba-OR/Stolen-Recovered
OneTen-Siler City, NC, Missing/ Recovered
Velvet Jack-Telequah, OK, missing-FOUND
Rumba-SC-Found
Jake-Billings, MT-Found
A Silk Lining-Shingle Spring, CA-located
Bandit-Otokots, Alberta, CANADA
Jewels-Amberg, WI
Purple Twist "Abby" - Saint Peters, MO
Sultan's Modern Opus "Opie"- now Eureka Springs, MO
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If Wishes Were Horses....
We know-beggars would ride. However-we still have the wishes-actually NEEDS-of the following items:
- if you have used items around and don't need them anymore we would love to have them.
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Make a donation today
Stolen Horse International, Inc., is a non-profit organization supported solely by tax deductible donations and does not receive funding from county, state or federal entities. Please make a donation of your choice. You can use PayPal, Credit Card, Monthly Bank Draft, Monthly PayPal Subscription. Click here or the PayPal button below to go to our donate page.
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Or mail your contribution to
Stolen Horse International, Inc.
PO Box 1341
Shelby, NC 28150
*Consult a tax accountant if you have any questions.
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 | | microchip-true size! |
Be prepared--microchip your horse!
Unfortunately animals, including many horses, are left to fend for themselves when disasters strike, such as fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes.
Many of those animals will be gathered up by animal rescue organizations and emergency responders.
How do the horses find their owners? Please make sure your horses have microchips so they can be identified and reunited with you by rescue organizations.
Microchips can also be embedded in bridles, breastplates, saddles, harnesses, and other tack.
Don't forget to "chip" other animals as well!
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Comments and suggestions
We are constantly on the lookout for more items of interest to put in the newsletter, ways to make it better, or just plain ol' criticism to see what we missed. Goodness knows we are not perfect-although we try. What do you want to see in the newsletter? What did you think of this one?
Send your questions and comments here.
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A Word of Thanks
To all the worldwide publications-both print and on the internet that picked up our story on "Opie" and really made it "fly". Thanks-we noticed. It means a lot to us that you picked it up-not just here in the USA in Texas, but in places like the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The video went viral-and we're proud of that. It means NetPosse works-and that means each individual that is a part of it matters. |
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