2 rescued horses believed stolen from veteran’s therapy program

Horses discovered missing from pasture March 14

LA VALLE, Wis. — Two rescued horses used for equine therapy for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder are believed to have been stolen.

The horses were discovered missing from a pasture on September Farm on March 14. A search of the 70-acre farm showed no signs of the two horses and there were no open gates or breaks in the fencing.

One of the horses is a yearling chestnut filly named Vicki. The other is a 3-year-old gelding palomino named Jimmy. Jimmy provides equine therapy for a soldier in the National Guard while Vicki provides therapy for a Chicago police officer.

“These horses belong to police officers and veterans, and they protect us and give us our freedom. Why would someone be so callous?” said Barbara Knopf of Veterans Equine Trail Services.

The horses are two of 48 rescue horses used by the group to provide equine therapy to veterans and law enforcement officers.

Knopf notified Sauk County sheriff’s deputies and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wardens when she discovered the horses were missing. She has also been trying to spread word about the horses by posting photos of them throughout the area.

At this point they are focused on the safe return of the two horses.

“What we do want is these horses returned, no questions asked,” Knopf said.

She is asking that the horses be returned or left somewhere safe and that Sauk County sheriff’s deputies be notified of their location.