http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...EWS01/510280302/1002

Article published Oct 28, 2005

Horse thieves nearly nab trio of pets

By Mike Redelson
Telegraph-Forum staff

SULPHUR SPRINGS -- The owner of three horses doesn't think some would-be thieves were just horsing around Thursday morning -- they were up to nasty business.
Becky Armbruster woke up and found the family's three horses gone early Thursday morning and feared the worst, that the horses had been stolen for slaughter.

"They are just trail horses, family members, they're not expensive," Armbruster said.

Zion, an 11-year-old Arabian, Babe, an 18-year-old Morgan/quarterhorse, and Laredo, a 5-year-old mixed quarterhorse, were in a penned area outside and the gate had been crushed by what appeared to be a gooseneck stock trailer.

"We heard a vehicle, but thought it was just someone going to work," Armbruster said.

The Armbruster family, husband Jim and kids Ryan, 24, and Kristy, 25, fanned out around the area with help from neighbors. They found the horses about 20 minutes later, milling around in the elementary school playground area.

While the hunt went on, Becky contacted the sheriff's office, her blacksmith and several horse associations she belongs to.

"I just started to cry thinking they may have ended up at a slaughter house. Not my babies," Armbruster said.

Zion received a cut to his side, apparently when he jumped or fell out of the trailer.

"I think Babe, who is the ringleader, led the escape. She rules the roost and doesn't go where she doesn't want to," Armbruster said.

She said there are a lot of horse auctions in Holmes County. Auctions are held regularly at Sugar Creek and Mount Hope.

"A deputy said people can get a horse for slaughter for $600. No questions asked," Armbruster said.

Deputies combed the area, but didn't find any suspect vehicles.

"When the guys walked up with the horses, I said to the horses, 'Come on kids, breakfast,'" Armbruster said.

She said she is considering putting electronic identification on her horses.

"We always leave them outside, but never with their halters," Armbruster said.

"I just want people to take care and know there are still horse thieves out there," she said.

Armbruster smiled and noted, "They don't hang them anymore."