Unfortunately, Sunday morning began on a bad note when vendors Barbara and Joshua Caiado of DP Saddlery discovered one of their customizable, German-Engineered saddles had been stolen. The thief, or thieves, even lifted the folding saddle rack. Both items had been covered by a tarp behind the vendors’ table at the end of the sessions Saturday evening. With many other saddles lining the Coliseum wall opposite of the booth, it is apparently this saddle was specifically targeted.

Already present were an officer with the Montgomery Police Department and Alabama Horse Council representative and Vice President Mason Tanaka. Within a few minutes, the police officer had taken a report and was working with other officers and the Horse Council to discreetly search the premises. Mr. Tanaka spoke briefly with Angela about the vendors filing a report with Stolen Horse International, Inc., as the nonprofit not only helps recover stolen and missing horses, but also tack, trailers, equipment, and so much more.Just prior the Horse Fair opening Sunday morning, an announcement was made over the loudspeaker about the stolen saddle. Ironically, this vendor was only three down from where NetPosse’s booth was set up. Upon hearing the announcement, Volunteer Executive Coordinator, Angela Beck, made her way to the Caiado’s booth.

A resident of Montgomery, Angela was able to run home and retrieve a color printer while Barbara Caiado filled in a report with NetPosse online in the booth. In less than an hour, the webpage for the stolen saddle was live on the Internet and color flyers were being printed. Hot off the press, these flyers were put in the hands of tack vendors and Horse Council representatives so that individuals would know the details of the custom saddle.

While the saddle was not recovered before the Caiados had to head home to Ft. Mitchell, Ala., their spirits were lifted by just knowing that people cared and that NetPosse was there to provide help, advice and encouragement. Both Barbara and Joshua expressed their gratitude for NetPosse and others who showed immediate concern and stepped up to help right a wrong. NetPosse now seeks the public’s assistance with sharing this theft alert. The distinctive tooling of the horse head and figure on the sides and fenders is very unique on this Memphis Reiner. Please be sure to forward the NetPosse Stolen Saddle Alert and distribute the flyer found on the site at http://www.netposse.com/view_report.asp?reportid=2483. A reward is being offered for the return of the saddle.

© 2015 Stolen Horse International – This article must be kept intact and credit given to Stolen Horse International, Inc. and/or NetPosse.com. A lead portion may be used if a link to NetPosse.com is provided. For more information on Stolen Horse International and its programs, visit the website at www.netposse.com. SHI is a 501(c)(3) organization.