'Missing' horses found in Partlow field.

By KARI PUGH
The Free Lance-Star

Date published: 6/11/2002

Authorities aren't sure if it was a case of horse rustling or just two ponies lost, but a stallion and filly that went missing from a Partlow farm last week are back in their stalls.

A neighbor spotted the quarter horses about 8:30 p.m. Friday wandering in a field about two or three miles from home, sheriff's Maj. Howard Smith said yesterday.

The horses, described as "very friendly" by owner Greg Newman, seemed to be in good shape. But both had swollen ankles, indicating they had been kept in a trailer for a long time, Smith said.

"We still don't know if they were stolen or if they just got out,"
he said.

Newman said the horses were the most expensive of the seven he owns.

One was a 16-year-old stallion that had been in a stall in the barn. Newman had recently sold it for $12,000, but the buyer had yet to pick it up.

The other horse, a 2-year-old filly, is valued at $3,000. It was in a field with two other horses that got loose June 4.

The others were later found near the barn.

Anyone who might know whether the horses were stolen is asked to call Spotsylvania Crime Solvers at 582-5822. Information leading to arrest or indictment could earn a $1,000 reward.

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Date published: 6/11/2002