Candy stolen from Houston April 17, 2003 RECOVERED JULY 8, 2004

Candy’s Story: Stolen in 2003 — Joyfully Recovered in 2004

On April 17, 2003, a beloved mare named Candy was stolen from a Houston-area farm, setting off a long, emotional search led by her devoted owner, Cheryl Snyder. For more than a year, Cheryl worked tirelessly—posting flyers, contacting law enforcement, attending local equine events, and leaning on the support of Stolen Horse International/NetPosse, founded by Debi Metcalfe after her own mare Idaho was stolen.

Nearly 63 weeks later, Cheryl received the news she had been praying for:
Candy had been found and placed in Harris County Police custody.

Cheryl immediately reached out to Jessica, a reporter who had previously interviewed her, hoping she would share this rare and uplifting outcome. A hearing was scheduled at the Harris County Annex, where Cheryl would make the final, positive identification. Close-up photos and detailed descriptions provided to a private investigator and law enforcement all pointed to the same truth—this was Candy.

During Candy’s disappearance, horse theft in the region had become alarmingly common. Cheryl often shared NetPosse’s resources to help others understand the seriousness of the issue and expressed heartfelt gratitude for Debi Metcalfe, calling her an emotional anchor throughout the ordeal.

Meanwhile, a twist unfolded behind the scenes. A woman in her 40s had unknowingly purchased Candy as her first horse. When someone handed her one of the original Stolen Horse International/NetPosse flyers, she recognized Candy immediately. Though heartbroken, she chose integrity—reaching out to the number on the flyer and doing the right thing. Her honesty changed everything.

On July 8, 2004, Cheryl stood in a Texas courthouse and finally reclaimed her mare. Later that evening, she called Debi with the message everyone had been longing to hear:

Candy was home.

The news spread quickly through the Stolen Horse International/NetPosse community. Messages of joy poured in from around the country—people celebrating the reunion, praising the honest woman who stepped forward, and thanking the volunteers who never stopped sharing Candy’s flyer. Many wrote about the power of faith, perseverance, and kindness, calling Candy’s recovery a reminder that miracles still happen.

Cheryl shared that Candy needed only minor veterinary care and was in otherwise wonderful condition. Police departments in both Fort Bend and Harris Counties continued investigating the theft, hopeful for accountability.

Throughout the search, Cheryl had documented every step—joining meetings with the Greater Houston Horse Council, contacting the Texas Cattleraisers Association, coordinating with Crime Stoppers, appearing on local news, and distributing thousands of flyers. Her determination became her motto:
“I will go to my grave looking for her.”

Her family, friends, law enforcement officials, and the Stolen Horse International/NetPosse team stood with her through every difficult moment. And in the end, their combined persistence paid off.

Candy’s return remains one of the most celebrated recoveries in Stolen Horse International/NetPosse history—a testament to community action, an honest stranger, and the unbreakable bond between a horse and the person who refuses to stop searching.

Never underestimate the power of one flyer, one moment, or one honest heart.

Stolen Horse International, also known as NetPosse, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping owners recover stolen and missing horses through its well-known NetPosse Alerts—often called the horse industry’s version of an “Amber Alert.” The organization provides education, recovery tools, and a nationwide volunteer network to support victims and raise awareness about horse theft and equine identification. [netposse.com], [wikiwand.com]

If you believe in bringing horses home, please consider donating today. Your support keeps this life-changing work going.