We recently posted about the annual Marsh Tacky beach race in South Carolina. Marsh Tackys are an endangered breed with only 400 animals. They are much beloved by their owners for their agreeable dispositions and hardiness.
On April 23 during a storm, someone cut the wire fencing into a pasture at Dragoon Horse Farm in Rembert, South Carolina. Two Marsh Tacky horses were stolen, River and Yago.
Ironically owner Jackie McFadden had spent that same afternoon at an event promoting Marsh Tackys. The two horses had given rides to children throughout the day and served as ambassadors as Jackie fielded questions about the breed. Jackie often takes the two horses to schools for educational programs and events held to promote the Marsh Tacky breed, most recently the Kiawah Cup Beach Race in South Carolina.
As soon as Jackie realized the horses were gone she contacted her local police and filed a report with NetPosse.com. NetPosse is a division of Stolen Horse International, Inc., a nonprofit established to help people recover lost, stolen and missing horses and to educate the public on equine theft and loss prevention. NetPosse worked with Jackie and within hours a case was open, flyers generated and announcements began streaming through the social media network.
River is a 7-year-old, bay mare, 14.2 hands. Yago is also 7 years old, dark bay gelding, 14.2 hands. Both horses are micro chipped. They are gentle, friendly, curious and like people. The pair is strongly bonded, Yago becomes distressed when separated from River.
WARHorses contact Jackie a few days ago and asked how she was doing and inquire about possible leads.
Q. How are you holding up Jackie?
A. I worry that the search activity will die down. We have to keep it going until River and Yago come home. They have been gone a week and a half and I’m exhausted. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep. I stay up late into the night searching the internet and sending out flyers and notices to anyone that I can think of. It’s difficult to go to work because I want to keep searching and my mind is always with River and Yago.
Q. In what ways are you finding support from the news and public?
A. I’m astounded and comforted by the fact that so many people are searching for them. Facebook posts have been shared all over the United States and people are calling businesses, and printing and putting up flyers. Several newspapers have written stories and local TV shows have featured River and Yago in their broadcasts. I cannot thank everyone enough for working so hard to bring River and Yago home.
Q. How has NetPosse helped with your search?
A. Pam Miller and NetPosse have been wonderful! They walked us through setting up our report the day that the horses went missing. I couldn’t stop crying or think clearly at the time and they were patient and kind. They have a large support network and they have been working overtime to try to find River and Yago. A couple of horses have been found recently through NetPosse and I hope and pray that mine will be next on the list.
How Can We Help?
Study the NetPosse report for details about Yago and River. Search for report number NR005217 or CLICK HERE.
“Circulating the flyer for River and Yago as well as the NetPosse.com Alert nationwide is imperative, as they could be anywhere by now. These flyers are one tool that brings home many horses and must be posted in as many public places as possible,” says Debi Metcalfe, founder of Stolen Horse International. “And remember, not everyone has internet access. Please post their flyer in public places as well.”
Keep up with the latest news and check out photos that might help ID River and Yago. Jackie has set up a Facebook page dedicated to the search, CLICK HERE.
If you have information on River and Yago please contact your local police and NetPosse.
Jackie’s friends have funded a $2000 reward for the return of Yago and River – no questions asked.