March 15, 2013 - LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Horse owners in Fayette County are on alert after someone stole a horse right out of a field. The mare was returned home, but the thieves got away.

"People out here are very good neighbors. No matter if you're rich or poor, they're your neighbors," said Jerald Becker. He's very thankful for his neighbors today after he says someone stole a horse from a farm he operates.

"They led it up the road to an area around this other farm. They were discovered around 4:00 and the people turned the horse loose and took off," he said.

People at a neighboring farm held the horse there until they found out who she belonged to.

"Her owner walked her back to the farm and turned her out and she's back with her buddies," said Becker.

He suspects the thieves had scouted his farm, trying to find the horse that would bring in the most at auction.

"They're thieves. They're no different than copper thieves. This mare was the biggest, fattest mare on the farm. They obviously selected her. They obviously looked at every horse I got on the farm and that's the one they took. They'll go over there. Don't have to have a bill of sale or papers on these horses and they'll sell them. Eventually they'll go into the horse slaughter market," he said.

Becker said he plans to tighten up his security in case any thieves come back.

"I have various weapons, you know? I hope I never have to use them, but you just let people know that you will protect your property. I'd hate to be one of them and be caught," said Becker.

Becker says he expects the mare would have brought in about $600 at auction. Police said they haven't had any other reports of horse thefts.

Resource: WKYT News, wkyt.com, http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/Horse-stolen-from-farm-198518901.html?ref=901