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As many of you already know, Idaho, owned by Debi & Harold Metcalfe, is the horse that started it all and was the inspiration behind Debi Metcalfe’s decision to start Stolen Horse International aka NetPosse.com for missing, lost, and stolen equine. Idaho was stolen out of her pasture on the Metcalfe’s property on September 26, 1997 and was recovered 51 weeks later. Idaho still resides at the age of 31 with Debi & Harold Metcalfe. 

I have been a follower of Stolen Horse International aka NetPosse.com for several years now and most recently became a volunteer in July 2015. I have always wanted to visit Idaho and thank her for all she has done to inspire horse owners everywhere to not give up on searching for the lost, stolen or missing horses. So I decided the time has come that I needed to make the trip to Shelby, NC and see her with my own eyes. I had a good excuse to come up as I had the Equus Magazine that had recently written a story about Idaho being a "Legacy" horse. I was supposed to mail that magazine to Debi a few months ago. Plus, it had become apparent over the last several weeks, that Idaho was not going to be with us all much longer. I knew time was of an essence and I had to go see her. So, I asked Debi if I could come and visit with Idaho. Of course, Debi said "Yes". So I made plans and on Friday, May 13, 2016, I got in my car and drove to The Metcalfe’s home.

As I drove up to Debi & Harold’s, I felt like a child going on a trip and the excitement inside me grew larger and larger as I got closer to their home. I turned on the little gravel road that goes up in front of their house and was greeted immediately by Harold who had been working out in the pasture. As I drove to the house, Harold came on over to greet me. I followed Harold to the house the entire time eagerly looking for Idaho. Before I could get far, I was greeted by The Metcalfe’s family dogs. I could tell they were excited to meet me but I also knew that they were making sure I was okay to be on their property as well. I would have to say my favorite was Maddox. All 140 pounds of him! Upon entering their home, I was immediately greeted by Debi who was working hard at handling all the important behind the scenes stuff for NetPosse.com. Two huge computer screens sat right in front of her with two keyboards and two mice. I had heard about Debi’s office and I can tell you that this woman definitely puts every moment of her life into this organization. As always, Debi immediately greeted me with a huge hug. Of course, I handed over the magazine I had promised to send to her months ago before we went outside to see Idaho. 

Idaho was standing in the barn with her friend, Skeeter. Debi explained to me what a majestic horse Idaho always has been and that you have to earn her respect, just like a cat, or she will not let you pet her. She went on to tell me about Idaho in her younger years and that she always would hold her head up high. Debi grabbed a brush and immediately went to brushing her and showed me how if she stops and walks away as if she was done brushing, how Idaho would then come over to her for more. She loves attention, but just on her terms as Debi explained to me. Of course, if you know me at all, you know how much I love my animals. I can’t just spend time with Idaho unless I paid attention to Skeeter as well and of course, Skeeter, made sure to get his fair share. 

Standing there brushing, petting, and telling Idaho what a wonderful horse she has been meant the world to me. Words can’t explain how I felt to be standing there with Debi & Idaho listening to her story and her life over the years. Debi explained to me about Idaho’s cancer and how she has changed over the last few months. The vet came out last Tuesday to discuss Idaho’s current status and to assist Debi & Harold on what is best for Idaho. The Metcalfes been decided that they will need the vet's assistance to help Idaho in crossing Rainbow Bridge but it did not have to be immediate.

Debi had to go to an event last weekend and while driving through the mountains she was discussing Idaho’s health with one of the volunteers and how when the time comes we will need to post about Idaho. Unfortunately, during this call, the reception was not great and there was a misunderstanding about what Debi had said. A post went up that Idaho had passed. As soon as this was realized, the post was removed. This has created a little bit of confusion for our followers and we do apologize for this.

Back to my visit, Debi took me on a tour of their property. They own 50 acres which has the house on it that Harold grew up in still standing on the property. This house is over 100 years old now. Debi showed me the exact spot that Idaho was stolen from. My heart tore into pieces. The thought of one my own horses being stolen right off their own property just kills me inside. Debi introduced me to Idaho’s daughter, Montana. Now from a distance, one would think that she was Idaho. She is a spitting image of her Momma, beautiful from head to tail. And she definitely loves attention! Only difference is, you don’t have to earn her respect as much as her Momma. We stopped and visited with Montana and her pasture mate, Secret. Debi explained to me that Montana was born there on their property just 25 years ago. Montana is a very smart horse and immediately went to checking my pockets to see if there were any hidden treats for her. Oh how I wish she was one of my horses. It is definitely evident how much love Debi & Harold have given their horses over the years. While spending time with Montana, I told her what big hooves she has to feel and take over the legacy her Momma will leave behind. I believe Montana will handle the task wonderfully!

After driving around the property and the community, we returned to Debi & Harold’s home and of course we had to handle a little NetPosse business while I was there. I’ve decided after the few hours I was there, that I definitely will be going back to spend a day with Debi to watch her work and learn more about Stolen Horse International aka NetPosse.com. Once we finished going through a few items, we went back out so I could tell Idaho “Goodbye”.

Today, Idaho, while still majestic and beautiful, she does not hold her head up as high as she once did. Why, you ask? Well, Idaho is tired. She has lived an eventful life that I’m sure she would tell us about if she could. Idaho’s health has been declining and although we all know the time will come when she will no longer be with us here on earth, she will continue to be the Legend and Inspiration behind Stolen Horse International. I am personally thankful for Idaho. Her theft back in 1997 was what inspired Debi to start helping others to find their horses. You see, it is Stolen Horse International that brought Debi Metcalfe into my life. And I am thankful for that.

On the ride back home, I had so many thoughts going through my mind. Tears rolled down my face as I thought about Idaho and how much she means to everyone. But then I immediately started smiling, realizing that Idaho doesn’t want anyone to cry or be upset she wants us to be strong and not give up. Idaho wants us all to remember….” Never underestimate the power of one!”

 Written By: Pamela Miller, CORE Volunteer & SC State Case Manager