A disturbing theft incident has left a Big Creek farm owner searching for answers and pleading for community help after two horses were taken in an overnight trespassing incident. Chantelle Winter, the property’s owner, told reporters she made the grim discovery on her property Wednesday morning, after intruders cut through a perimeter fence to gain unauthorized access to the pasture where the animals were kept. Beyond the stolen horses, Winter also found an unattended animal trap left on her land, adding another layer of concern to the already alarming incident.
This is not the first time Winter’s farm has faced equine theft, and that history has amplified fears for the safety of the two missing animals. In previous theft incidents, horses taken from her property were eventually recovered, but they came back with visible injuries, clear signs of mistreatment, and permanent scarring that stayed with them for life. These past experiences have left Winter bracing for the worst and pushing hard for any tips that could bring her horses home safely before harm comes to them.
Law enforcement and Winter have released detailed descriptions to help the public identify the stolen animals. The first is a 16-hand-tall red chestnut male gelding, while the second is a smaller 14-hand chestnut female with a distinctive blonde mane and tail. Winter is reaching out to every group that may encounter the horses—local residents, neighboring farmers, equine enthusiasts, and travelers passing through the Big Creek area—to keep a close watch for any horses matching this description.
She is urging anyone who spots an animal matching the profile, or who has any information about suspicious activity on or near the farm overnight, to contact the appropriate authorities immediately. Even small, seemingly insignificant pieces of information could be the key to locating the two horses and holding those responsible for the break-in and theft accountable.