Owner finds stolen horse, but others still missing

Karyn Rogers, right, and Temania Whata have been reunited with the stolen horse Photo/ Stephen Parker

Horses have been going missing in Rotorua with some owners taking matters into their own hands to track them down.

A 4-year-old mare was reunited with his owner yesterday after it went missing from a Mangakakahi property last week.

Karyn Rogers said the horse belonged to a family friend and had been grazing in her paddock for the last three months.

"It was gone on Wednesday night, we know this because the neighbours said they saw it being ridden down the road about 9.30pm," she said.

The horse, named Giddyup, was used for hunting by the owner and also helped a neighbourhood teen learn how to ride.

"I was in disbelief, absolutely disbelief [when I heard it was missing] and also a little concerned that someone was watching the house," Mrs Rogers said.

"We were driving around the street asking people throughout the week if they've seen the horse."

Mrs Rogers said her nephew spoke to residents and was directed to the Owhata area.

The horse was discovered in a paddock at the end of Pohutukawa Dr yesterday by the owner. Police were called.

Another missing horse was discovered in the same area this week.

Iharaira Piripi's breeding stallion disappeared from his State Highway 5 paddock on Friday.

With the help of sightings by members of a closed Facebook page for Rotorua horse owners, he was reunited with Tane.

He said he didn't report it to the police as he thought it wasn't "high priority" enough.

However his uncle, Raymond Flood, is still searching for his 12-year-old chestnut gelding which went missing less than two weeks ago from Vaughan Rd.

He said his horse was distinctive by its stiff back leg that made it limp.

"Someone had cut through the wires to the paddock to get him," he said.

"I was very, very angry when I found out, I've had him for quite a few years for hunting pigs and gave him to my daughter to ride around."

Mr Flood said he'd driven through the area looking for his horse Ngati and had heard young boys may be responsible.

"I hear they're hiding them behind houses and bring them out during the night. I know the law will only slap them on the wrist, you can't get vigilante about it so our hands are really tied, I'd just like to have the horse back."

Mr Flood said he didn't report it to the police because he too believed they wouldn't be interested.

However Rotorua police encouraged the public to contact them so they were aware of the issue.

"With any suspicious behaviour or crime, we encourage people to report it, put personal safety first and leave investigations to the police," a police spokeswoman said.