Fighting Horse Theft: The NetPosse Network

Promoting theft education my way 

By Debi Metcalfe

March 2005

Debi Metcalfe's personal journey, chronicled in a long-ago issue of Barrel Horse Magazine, details how the theft of her horse, Idaho, in 1997 prompted her to establish Stolen Horse International (NetPosse) and the NetPosse network. This article reflects on the organization's mission to educate horse owners about theft prevention and its early efforts to leverage the internet and volunteer networks to work with law enforcement to recover stolen horses.

What started as a search for Idaho turned into a mission we continue today through Stolen Horse International.   Does a person with an addiction choose his addiction, or does the addiction choose the person with an addiction?  I don't know.  My research shows victims of crime react differently, working through the anger, fear, and loss in different ways.  Promoting Theft Education is my way, I have decided.

Each of these stories is a heart-wrenching account of loss and betrayal. Cory, an NC barrel racing horse, was stolen from the side of his trailer while his owner watched slack time at the rodeo. Two horses were stolen from the National Barrel Horse World Championship several years ago in front of many people. Micki was snatched from her home in Hartford, Tennessee, three years ago.  Santana was stolen from his pasture in Alabama in August 2003.  Strawberry was taken from his NC pasture along with a black trailer, tack, 250 pounds of sweet feed, and a bale of hay. These are not just horses; they are beloved companions, and their theft has left a void in the lives of their owners.   

Theft is not discriminatory, affecting all breeds. Through education, horse owners will pay attention to what only seems like a silent crime among us. 

The horses listed above are but a few of the missing and stolen horses reported to Stolen Horse International, Inc.(NetPosse).  The owners were not prepared for a theft to occur. In most cases, they had no idea who to contact or what to do. Why?

One reason—they may not have known about horse theft.  Until recently, horse publications, breed associations, and the news media were not interested in reporting the news of theft.  Cases appear isolated and relatively small in number.  Now, mainly due to the efforts of Stolen Horse International, Inc., that is changing.

With approximately 40,000 horses stolen each year in the United States, why are horse owners not ready? You prepare for disease, injuries, and other unexpected situations as a horse owner. Why not the disappearance of your horse?  Horse theft should be a proactive concern in a horse owner's life, rather than a reactive one.  In other words, please don't wait until it happens before you act. It's our collective responsibility to be vigilant and prepared.

Cory, stolen from the rodeo

Susie Justus had a great run at the barrels one September night in Westminster, SC.  She took care of her horse, tied him to the trailer with hay, and went to watch her friends in slack.  When she arrived a short time later, Cory was gone!

"His lead rope was unbroken, still tied to the trailer, and his hay net had hay in it. I frantically began searching for him. Realizing he wasn't within 50 yards of the trailer, I knew something was seriously wrong. My friends and I searched the entire grounds.  There was no trace of Cory." Susie says of her experience.

Twelve days later, Susie received a tip from a flyer.  Susie and the local Georgia Sheriff sprang into action, and two brothers recovered Cory.

Susie continues with her thoughts, "Two brothers went to that rodeo, apparently with intentions of obtaining a horse.  They went with an empty horse trailer. They left with my horse raising questions all horse owners should consider: How safe are our show facilities?  Should there be more security?  Could this happen to you?"

Before there was Stolen Horse International and NetPosse Volunteers

Never had I thought about someone stealing one of my horses.  It happens to the other person. People associate horse theft with days of the Old West, which is a big misconception. 

Our own racking horse, Idaho, was stolen in 1997. After Idaho disappeared, we faxed fliers to numerous individuals and businesses involved in horse-related activities.  Following sales tips, we searched through hundreds of horses. The phone bills were high, and this type of search, although important, was slow.

I explored the Internet, only to find nothing about horse theft that could help us.  Gradually, by gathering email and website addresses, I built a network of people willing to assist in the search for Idaho and other stolen horses.  Victims contacted me for help and advice. Other people sent notices about missing horses.  Offers of help poured in from caring individuals. Stolen Horse International (NetPosse) and the NetPosse network were born.

NetPosse Alerts

Time is crucial, and owners must act quickly.  When the news of theft reaches Stolen Horse International, I work to send the information to thousands of people, who then pass it on to thousands more.  The Idaho Alert was later changed to the NetPosse Alert.

An Idaho Alert, named for Idaho, our stolen mare whose recovery was the beginning of Stolen Horse International, is a globally transmitted notice of a confirmed missing/stolen horse.  When a horse is missing, time is of the essence. Once you receive a Stolen Horse International NetPosse Alert, you'll be able to view the flyer, pictures of the horse, description, and key information that may help bring them home.

NetPosse NetPosse volunteers

The NetPosse theory is simple, yet powerful. The more people who become involved, the more they initiate others to learn about theft, and the recovery rate becomes much higher. Information travels quickly, and horses have been recovered thanks to this system. This is a testament to the power of community and the impact each individual can make in the fight against horse theft.

The NetPosse volunteers can help as little or as much as they like. They may post fliers or send them to others, check out horse events and auctions, or send words of support to the victims. As the information travels exponentially, more people become aware of theft, and horses are often found.  Many people who receive the NetPosse Alert in their inbox are not official NetPosse members but soon become one.  Many people pass the information along out of kindness.

One horse was located within 30 hours after emails with pertinent information were circulated through the Internet, proving this system can work! This is just one of the many success stories that have inspired hope and demonstrated the effectiveness of the NetPosse system. 

Law Enforcement finds NetPosse

Tennessee Detective Michael Cheaves from the Knox County Sheriff's Office encourages the personal involvement of the horse owner.  Law enforcement officers are essential in the process; however, it is usually the horse owner's efforts that are crucial in recovering their horses.

Law Enforcement officers are often overloaded with cases.  The process from filing the report to its journey to a detective's hand can take days. Usually, officers lack the knowledge of where and how to search for a horse.

Stolen Horse International has been active with law enforcement officers on many of the recovered horse cases since 1998.  Law Enforcement officers are finding the NetPosse a valuable tool in their investigations.

"The police couldn't tell me what to do but I started calling feed stores, horse people, vets, farriers, and anyone else I could think of, I made a flyer and sent them to anyone who might would look at them and put them up.... unfortunately it was about 2 weeks later before I got Debi Metcalfe's number and finally got some real information about what to do", Diana Reid says of her theft in April 2002

Law enforcement communities are starting to recognize the benefits of reporting stolen horses to Stolen Horse International.

"This is a wonderful resource to use, and her ability and dedication make it an outstanding Law Enforcement tool to use. Contacting Stolen Horse International is part of my department's plan of action in case of horse theft.", says Matt Lunsford of the Preble County Sheriff's Office in Ohio.

What Happens to the Horses?

Stolen horses do get slaughtered; nevertheless, it is a misconception that all go to slaughter.  Countless stolen horses are resold and may change hands many times. Thieves are more concerned with quick profit and selling the horse swiftly.  High-priced horses may sell at shockingly low prices. Most horses are sold the first time within a 150-mile radius of the origin of theft.  Horses can travel across the US or into Canada within a week.  Stolen horses can be anywhere.  Searching for one is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except in this case, the haystack keeps moving.

Don't turn your back.

Diana's horse, Micki, is still missing.  The repercussions are still apparent in her life. She knows that she will never quit looking into pastures when she is driving down the road. She wonders if she will ever pass a horse trailer without wondering what kind of horse is inside.

Diana reminds us all, "You don't just get your horse stolen; you get your life stolen."

When Idaho was stolen, my husband and I felt like we were suffocating, consumed by an uncontrollable illness with no foreseeable end.  We felt immobilized by the feelings, which caused us to lose focus on our daily schedules.  We are physically, emotionally, and mentally hurt.   

The end of normal began for us one September morning almost six years ago.  We lost so much: our horse, our trust in people, and our innocence. We found Idaho 51 weeks later, identified by a flyer, in Tennessee.  We regained some trust, but not all, due to random acts of kindness from people around the world.

The next time you hear or read about a theft, don't turn away thinking, "That horse is gone. It's a waste of time".

Consider the following questions and offer your help.  How long does it take to hang a flyer at the feed store when you buy feed?  How long does it take for a theft notice to reach your friends after it's been dropped in your email inbox? Would it be a great imposition to post a flyer at the next horse event you attend? 

"Never underestimate the power of one."

Victims like Diana need your help. 

After all, can you honestly say it won't happen to you? 

Note:  Be sure to attend Debi's sessions at the Massachusetts Equine Affaire, November 6-9, in Springfield, Massachusetts, or Southern Horse Festival, December 5-7, in Raleigh, NC.