[Wowelsh]

I'm looking for this pony (pics attached). She was sent away to a hunter/jumper barn in Olive Branch, MS, for training and a commissioned sale, in Nov. 2003. Initially the trainer kept in good contact with me, but lately I've been totally unable to reach her. I "dug up" her new cell phone number and left voice mails and also sent a certified letter. Legal action is our next step.

The pony is a registered Half Welsh, large, chestnut with chrome mare. She is registered as Winding Oaks I'm All That and her barn name (here) was Diva. She is by *Smoke Tree Silver Dragon. She has a blaze and 4 whites, but her most distinguishing mark is the disconnected chestnut spot on the inside pastern of her left hind sock. The yearling picture shows this marking the best. She was foaled in 2001.

Any help is appreciated. I'm a reputable breeder and have never experienced anything like this before. Please email to [email protected] .

Thanks Much,

[Limerick]

she is a lovely pony-you're wise to take legal action soon.

[shmeg<33]

yes i would definitly take legal action. very cute pony. im sorry that this has happened, and please keep us posted.

[farmgirl88]

OMG

we looked atthis pony! my family emailed you when you were offering this pony for sale, but she had already been moved to this other place, and you told us to contact them, we never got a response from that other lady, and her web site was removed from the internet....huh..... Gosh she was gorgeous! I hope you find her!!! Best of luck!

[LovesHorses]

Ive always admired her on your website. What a fancy pony. Hope you find her!

[Silk]

This pony has been missing since 2003? When was the last time you actually saw the pony? I'd be very concerned.....I wish you the best.

[Wowelsh]

Thanks for the support guys. Diva hasn't been "missing" since Nov. '03, but that's when she left our farm. The "trainer" kept in good contact through early 2005, but then started getting sketchy. She came with very good recommendations, so I didn't worry too much.

Then, the cell phone number I had for her, suddenly belonged to someone else and her home phone always rang busy...but she has teenage girls (I told myself). Now a mutual acquaintance gave me her new cell phone number and she hasn't responded to the voice mails I left, or responded to the certified letter I sent...so I'm obviously worried!

At this point, I'm not only concerned about the whereabouts of the pony, but also her condition...it makes me sick to think of the possibilities. If anyone has seen this pony or one you think might be her, please let me know.

Thanks Again,

[farmgirl88]

I'd try contactingpeople who work with her, who've been around her...etc. Start making some serious phone calls. This is nothing to play around with. We';ve been in a situation simliar to this.... its not pretty

[VirginiaBred]

I'm sick for you.

Jingling for a safe and happy outcome.

Please keep us posted.

[Limerick]

this at the top. Someone must know something about this pony.

[Platinum Equestrian]

What state is the trainer (or was the trainer) located in? I know you don't want to name names, but at least with a location, maybe someone will know something.

I'm so sorry this has happened to you and your pony.

[shmeg<33]

bump-a dump dump!!

[Quin]

What state is the trainer (or was the trainer) located in?

OP's first line says that the pony was sent to Olive Branch, MS.

Jingling for a safe return.

[Sugarbrook]

BUMP............come on y'all. Someone must know about this. Help Leah out!!!!!
Sandy

[LovesHorses]

Could I try to call the "trainer" and ask if they have any pony for sale with a similar description??

Leah, I would send out a notice on the Ponies L list. I haven't seen anything about this on there.

[Braveheart08]

I am so sorry and I really hope you find her, she is adorable

Maybe send some emails to barns around where you last knew she was?

[RNB]

You should start legal action right away. I'm sending you a PM.

[In the Air]

Perhaps a road trip is in order. Post Haste!

[Wowelsh]

The most recent reason for my increased concern, is that I referred someone who had inquired about a large pony, stop by the trainer's farm this weekend...inquiring about large ponies. The trainer said she only had smalls. The person who stopped (who is very well respected and I trust completely) allowed herself a tour of the farm and said she didn't see any large ponies or any chestnuts anywhere.

So...I don't think it would help to call (but thanks for the offer) and I don't think it would do any good to make a road trip...until I know where Diva is. Once I know I can find her, I'll be hitting the road immediately.

Thanks again to everyone for your help.

[findeight]

This is a flashy and fancy pony...somebody ought to know where it is..

I think "soon" is not the proper frame to start the legal action. Yesterday would be better.

You need to start with a certified demand letter to the last known address. Most lawers will help you out with one pretty cheaply or not charge you at all as a gesture to snag any future business you may send their way.

If it comes back, you need to go to the police, probably in the last known address jurisdiction with all of your paperwork including proof you own the pony and proof of your attempts to contact the "trainer" to retrieve your property. Establish a set value on the Pony and be prepared to prove that...over a certain point it becomes a felony. File the theft complaint and they will take it from there.

I often defend trainers but this is something I would NOT do-send one off and not demand some sort of regular contact. I better get a phone call every few weeks or I'll call them...and if I don't hear back in a week? I don't consider expecting a minimum of once a month contact acting like a PITA. We are done and it comes home.

This situation is trouble and you need to demand answers right now and get some answers so she can fight a felony charge.

That's a nice Pony. A very nice Pony.