Missing Gypsy Cob Returned

Further to a story published in Horsezone news on 12 September, regarding missing/presumed stolen Gypsy Cob, Our Thomas, he has been returned and was found in his paddock on 25 September.

Amanda Overall, Our Thomas', owner is thrilled to have her horse home, slightly dehydrated, with the scours, but otherwise amazingly well after his ordeal.

A sustained campaign of publicity was undertaken by the Australian Horse community after Thomas disappeared, with postings on Facebook, forums, websites across Australia, email campaigns and poster drops throughout saddleries and feed stores.

It is likely that all the publicity made it impossible for the horse to be moved on and prompted those responsible to return him.

He will now be moved to a secure location.

This was not a very nice experience for Amanda and her family, they had only moved to Australia in July and less than 2 months later had their beloved horse, who had traveled with them from overseas, stolen. What a relief that on this occasion there has been a happy outcome?

Horses being stolen doesn't happen that often, considering how many equines there are in this country, however, it pays to take all precautions to prevent your horse being taken and make him easy to identify if he is, so the thieves will be unable to resell him. Especially if your horse isn't kept at your residence, be sure to:

• Paddlock gates accessing the paddock;


• Provide solid fencing that cannot be easily removed ie: timber, steel or plastic/wire rails;


• If you have to use wire fencing, electrify it with a power unit not accessible from outside the property;


• If at all possible, install lighting on any road frontage boundaries;


• develop a 'buddy' system with other horse people near your horse's paddock - get to know each other and be able to identify cars, floats and people who attend your horse and be wary of other people and vehicles - help each other out;


• Visit your horse at irregular times so anyone watching won't know what time you may drop by;


• ensure your horse has a brand and/or microchip;


• put your name and phone number in big letters on your horse's rugs (thieves can always take them off, but this takes time and may deter culprits); and


• take photos of your horse from every angle, especially brands, because as Our Thomas' case has shown, the more information you can get out to the public via whatever media possible, the better your chances of getting your horse back.

Aside from making your horse difficult to catch for strangers - not something any horse person really wants to encourage - as well as following the above points, always be aware of who may be hanging around your horse's paddock and ask their business, or if you are uncomfortable approaching them, take note of their appearance and vehicle details and make sure they realise you have noticed their presence.