A Message from the President of Stolen Horse International, Inc. ...
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Ten years ago today, my family started a journey we never imagined taking. It was not one we planned for or ever wanted, but we found we had no choice. When Idaho, my husband Harold’s horse, was stolen on September 26, 1997, we were devastated. We didn’t know where to turn or what to do next. Driven by emotion and desperation, we set out on a year-long quest to bring Idaho home. When we recovered Idaho 51 weeks later, we naturally assumed our lives would pick up where we’d left off the previous year.
We couldn’t have been more wrong! |
As we forged a new path into the world of horse theft, many joined us along the way ~ some were merely understanding horse owners and others were victims themselves. After Idaho came home, I quickly discovered that Idaho’s theft was the end of “normal” for me. As I answered email after email from others seeking help in their similar quests to recover stolen horses, I found something within myself that I hadn’t realized was there. For a year, I’d run on emotions and adrenaline, but now I could call up that courage and determination and use it to fight back at the same kind of people who had destroyed our innocence, and I could use it to help those who were unassuming horse owners just like we were. |
I quit my job to pursue this new purpose in my life, and I formed Stolen Horse International, Inc. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SHI is known internationally, and is commonly referred to as NetPosse. In the nine years since its inception, SHI has grown by leaps and bounds, all in an effort to help prevent horse theft, while aiding in the recovery of stolen/missing horses, tack and trailers. This has been accomplished through the generosity of so many who have donated monies to SHI or provided much-needed support to further our cause. SHI receives no government monies or federal grants, and, unfortunately, the donations have dried up since Hurricane Katrina. We are always working on fundraising efforts and merchandise sales, but our expenses and need for growth far exceed those monies, so I’m asking for your help. |
SHI has given horse theft a face and a name. SHI has given hope to those who feel there is none. Please take a moment to read my personal letter to you about where SHI is today, and its upcoming events. Then, if you would, take another moment to make a donation and then forward this letter. Thank you ~ Debi Metcalfe www.netposse.com ~ stolenhorse@netposse.com ~ 704-484-2165 |
For a more dramatic introduction to Debi Metcalfe, SHI and NetPosse.com, please click to view the Anniversary Information Video. |