Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft My horse is being held for ransom

[Brownies_owner]

I leased my 2 horses to a woman and her sister (Laura & Janine, who said they were both horse people) in Pepperell, Massachusetts. The leases (both verbal did not work out & I took one of my horses back. When I went to retrieve my other horse the woman told me I owed her over $700 for the first horse that I took back. I never agreed verbally or in writing to what she is demanding from me. She served me with a trespassing order stating that I will be arrested if I step foot on her property.

The written lease that I gave them was never signed by either party. She is holding my horse as collateral until I pay her. What is my recourse to getting my horse back?

This woman is in financial straits, has health problems (bulging discs). My horse that she rides has never been a rearer. Now she rears and this woman, Laura has fallen off. I am very concerned with this situation.

The Pepperell police say that this is a Civil action and my only recourse is small claims? What is my legal rights and how can I get my horse back before anything bad happens to her?

Thank you,

Maria

 

[Duranie]

Well technically this could be considered a theft but if the police won't do anything, then you take her to court. This other woman is not going to be able to prove anything, since she has no bill of sale i don't see how she can keep the horse. Next time always get this stuff in writing.