In the town of Colón, Matanzas, two horses trained for acrobatics with young girls were stolen on Friday night, prompting a widespread social media alert from the Cuban equestrian community to locate the missing animals.
Rodeo Cubano's Facebook page issued an urgent appeal directed at ranchers, riders, and rodeo enthusiasts across Cuba, urging them to share any information that could help recover the horses.
The post highlights that the horses belong to young acrobats from the Matanzas area and have been specifically trained for equestrian performances, emphasizing that their loss extends beyond monetary value.
"These are horses specially trained for acrobatics," the page noted, underscoring the time, dedication, sacrifice, and countless hours of training invested in them.
The individuals behind the report made a direct plea to those responsible for taking the animals, urging them to return the horses unharmed.
"Return their horses. Don't take away their dreams," they expressed, making an especially emphatic request: "And please, don't kill them."
They also requested that anyone with knowledge of the horses' whereabouts to report the information as soon as possible.
The latest alert expands on an earlier report by the same page regarding the theft of Mayumi's pinto horse, identified as a young acrobat from Colón. According to that initial post, the horse was taken during the night.
The search organizers explained that Mayumi's horse is integral to the work and performances prepared by the children and their families.
"This is not just any horse. It is part of the life, work, dreams, and sacrifices of these children and their entire family," they pointed out.
The text outlines how the young acrobats have used the horse in preparing shows designed to entertain the public and demonstrate their connection to horses and rodeo traditions.
The report also clarifies that the goal is to recover the animal, not to confront those who currently have it.
As part of the efforts to locate the horse, a reward is being offered for information leading to its recovery, though the amount is not specified in the circulated material.
This plea is not without cause. Horse theft in Cuba often follows a similar pattern: the animals are illegally slaughtered to sell their meat on the black market, a practice exacerbated by the country's economic and food crisis.
Colón has a recent history of such crimes. In May 2025, a man was arrested in Colón after attempting to steal a horse and assaulting its owner, although the animal was not immediately recovered.
This issue is widespread across the island. In June of this year, a family in Ciego de Ávila offered a $1,000 reward after a mare was stolen, and in August 2025, a similar situation in Santiago de Cuba prompted the community to offer a reward of 50,000 Cuban pesos.
Cuban courts have responded with severe penalties: in May of this year, a court in Las Tunas sentenced a person to 15 years in prison for attempting to steal a horse, and in April 2025, a Cuban was sentenced to three years for the theft of two horses in Guantánamo.
The publication ends with a call that encapsulates the emotional weight of the case: "Today, it's not just about recovering a horse. It's about giving back a part of life to these children."
Understanding Horse Theft in Cuba
Why are horses being stolen in Cuba?
Horses in Cuba are often stolen and illegally slaughtered to sell their meat on the black market, a practice that has intensified due to the country's economic and food crisis.
What actions are being taken to prevent horse theft?
The Cuban equestrian community is actively using social media to alert and gather information. Additionally, Cuban courts have imposed severe penalties on those caught stealing horses.