The theft of four horses, including a stallion named Norteño and three mares, has sparked an urgent response from the Cuban equestrian community. Taken from La Piragua, Cienfuegos, the owners are desperately seeking assistance and offering a reward to locate the animals before they are harmed.
The Rodeo Cubano Facebook page, known for promoting rodeo and equestrian events, issued a plea on Monday to cowboys, farmers, ranchers, neighbors, and followers, urging them to help find the missing horses.
"Please don't harm them," begins the post, identifying the missing animals as Norteño and three mares. The main goal is to recover them "safe and sound."
To aid in identification, the page shared images showing the markings on one of the horses, urging people to examine these closely and spread the word.
The organizers of the search have also promised a reward for each horse that is returned, though they have not disclosed the amount.
According to Rodeo Cubano, these are purebred animals with significant genetic value, which is why the call extends to anyone who might have them or knows of their whereabouts.
"Think it through—don't harm them," reiterated the page, warning that killing the horses would be "an irreplaceable loss."
In a follow-up message on Monday, the page renewed its appeal for help, noting that any tip could be crucial in locating the four animals.
"Let's spread the word until we find them! Let's bring them home alive!" declared the post.
Concluding their plea, Rodeo Cubano emphasized the collective fear for Norteño and the three mares: "Enough with the horse thefts. Let there be no more missing horses. Don't kill them. Help us bring them back."
After receiving inquiries about the reward from Colombia, Mexico, and other areas, Rodeo Cubano clarified that any negotiations would occur strictly through trusted individuals. The page encouraged those with genuine information to contact the search organizers directly.
"With us, it's straightforward," they commented, stressing that any agreements will be handled "with the right people, through trusted individuals, and with integrity."
This incident follows closely on the heels of another theft in Colón, Matanzas, where two horses trained for acrobatics with children were stolen. The same page successfully rallied the community, and the animals were recovered unharmed after two days, returning to their young owners.
Other recent cases highlight a broader concern across various provinces. In June, a family in Ciego de Ávila offered a $1,000 reward after a mare and stallion were stolen. The mare had belonged to the owner's deceased grandfather and held sentimental value for the family.
Two months earlier, reports of mare thefts in Villa Clara and Sancti Spíritus surfaced, with rewards offered in hopes of preventing the animals' slaughter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stolen Horses in Cuba
What steps are being taken to recover the stolen horses in Cienfuegos?
The equestrian community is actively searching for the stolen horses, offering a reward for information, and utilizing social media to spread awareness and gather tips.
Why are the horses considered valuable?
The stolen horses are purebred and possess significant genetic value, making them important to their owners and the broader equestrian community.
How has the community responded to previous horse thefts?
In past incidents, the community has mobilized quickly, offering rewards and publicizing the thefts to ensure the safe return of the animals.