Threats on a Horse

["Joan Dowis" <jdowis@foothill.net>]

Hi, Carla & Rob,

 

Here are a few suggestions in addition to the excellent ones already made: 

 

If your horse is not freeze-branded or otherwise permanently marked, have it done immediately.  Have pictures from all angles necessary to identify the horse.  Be sure the paddock, pen or stall where your horse is kept is locked.

Keep all documentation handy.

 

Since you have the registration, this person has no legitimate claim on your horse without legal process.  He will have to take you to court to back up his claim.  If he takes steps in this direction, you will have to obtain legal assistance immediately.  No matter what, he has to prove his claim.  If he is successful in doing so, you quite possibly have a cause of action for fraud against the persons from whom you obtained the horse.

 

If you have an attorney, have the attorney write this person a letter telling him to desist, and if he has a legitimate claim, to provide the information to the attorney or pursue proper legal process.

 

If this person makes any physical moves toward obtaining the horse, contact the sheriff or local law enforcement immediately and make a complaint for attempted theft.  You may have to insist that they actually take such a complaint, but push it as hard as you have to.  You are creating a record which may be helpful in the future.  Just remember you are not justified in shooting anyone to prevent theft of property.

 

Good luck.

 

Joan Dowis