Angela Kirby is honored to have the opportunity to present on behalf of Stolen Horse International, Inc. (SHI) on April 7, 2007, as Best of America by Horseback takes to the trails in Troy, Ala., at the Heart of Dixie Trail Ride.
Having worked daily with Debi Metcalfe, founder and president of SHI, for several years now, Angela has acquired a wealth of knowledge regarding the operations and missions of SHI as a volunteer, but she is also a victim of equine-related theft. Like Debi, Angela has "been there - done that."
Twice in one year, Angela was the victim of civil theft - her two horses disappeared on two different occasions - who do you trust? Angela learned the hard way, but fortunately she was able to recover her horses both times. Most recently, Angela was a victim of tack theft, and ironically, it occurred while she was out of state visiting Debi at SHI headquarters in North Carolina. You can read the story at this link: NetPosse member has tack stolen.
Over the last few years, Angela has performed most every task possible for SHI from writing press releases to updating the website to designing ads/promotional materials to processing reports to speaking to victims and law enforcement. She has attended several events with Debi and has been able to share her passion for SHI and the importance of owners being proactive against theft with the public. Angela also developed and introduced the W.H.O.A. product line for SHI that has been incredibly successful.
During Angela's visit with Debi in July 2006 in North Carolina, not only was she honored to meet Idaho in person, Angela was privileged to ride in the foothills of the mountains while Debi personally shared the story of Idaho's theft and recovery from of all places, the back of Idaho. This incredible experience allowed Angela the insight to write a story for the Winter 2006 issue of "The Gaited Horse" magazine, which featured Debi and Idaho on its cover with the 4-page lead article.
While in North Carolina, Debi and Angela drove to Augusta, Ga., where HorseCity.com TV is located to film several segments for RFD-TV. At Debi's request Angela presented one of the segments for SHI. These segments have aired on HorseCity.com TV's "At the Barn" series, and have introduced thousands of new people to the problem of horse theft and NetPosse's efforts to educate horse owners on prevention and recovery. She also was a guest earlier this year on Best of America by Horseback's Monday night show on World Talk Radio.
This past December, NetPosse worked with Southern Oaks Equestrian Center, located at Pike Road, Ala., to present a microchipping clinic. Angela spoke to participants and answered questions about horse identification and theft. She and Debi are currently working on a program for youth groups - another of SHI's educational outreach programs developed to teach 4-H, pony clubs, and the like, the basics of horse protection and identification.
Angela's Bio:
A native of Alabama, Angela Kirby has recently made the growing but welcoming town of Prattville her home. A single mother and editor for a national publishing company, horses have long been a passion for her. Naturally artistic, Angela has always enjoyed writing stories and poetry, drawing horses, and designing graphics, but most of her free time is spent assisting Debi Metcalfe, founder of Stolen Horse International however possible.
Angela knows too well the effects of horse theft. A victim herself of civil horse theft and criminal tack theft, Angela has a great respect and admiration for Debi’s commitment to educating the public about horse theft while aiding victims in the recovery of stolen and missing horses, tack and trailers. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to see many victims through their journeys and join in their heartache, laughter and tears. The cases often become personal, and everytime a horse is brought home, she is thrilled to rejoice with that person.
As Angela reflects on her own experiences and involvement with NetPosse, she can admire Debi's tenacity and determination that allowed her to build this organization into one with credibility and strength in numbers. Angela is quick to point out: "Although there are thousands of victims of horse theft, there is only one Debi Metcalfe."
Debi Metcalfe is working to schedule one or more dates to ride with Best of America by Horseback this year. Watch for those dates! We look forward to seeing you on the trail! Debi also extends her appreciation to the Seays for their tremendous support and efforts on behalf of SHI.
