HGG Community Forums

So, several years ago, I leased a mare of mine out. It was a free lease with a year long contract. This mare was leased as a broodmare because I couldn't guarantee she would remain sound due to a long history of random health issues starting with foundering. I was financially strapped at the time, so I thought this was a good way to alleviate some of the burden. We discussed a permanent placement with them after a trial period with some stipulations. After a few months, everything was working out with them, so I sent them a new unsigned contract for permanent placement, asking them to send it back signed and I would keep a copy and send them a copy as well. It was pretty basic, just saying that she would NEVER be sold/given away and if they couldn't care for her any longer she would come back to me. It also stated that they would send me occasional pictures and updates. They put off signing it for months and then suddenly stopped contacted me at all. I tried over and over to get a hold of them with limited success. Her excuse for not getting back to me or signing the contract was that they were really busy. I told them after 2 years, that they either sign a new lease or bring her back. After that I heard NOTHING. I finally got a response to an e-mail saying that the daughter had my horse and was no longer living there, so I needed to find her. I sent e-mails, and letters to the addresses I was given and it wasn't until I sent one saying I was going to contact the police and report her stolen that I got a response. She said I would never see the horse again nor would I get any pictures or info on her. She also said that I was being ridiculous and she was not going to be contacting me again. This was about 8 months ago. I've been trying to figure out the best course of action. Out of the blue I got an e-mail from her last month with a picture of the mare. I replied with a thank you and ask for more info on her condition and anything else pertinent but got no response. Today I got an e-mail asking me to send them her registration papers because they have a foal that they would like to register. Seriously? After the immense hassle I've been through just trying to find her, this girl (who told me I would never see her again) now wants me to hand over the papers and then what?

What on earth am I to think of this? What would you do in this situation? I would like to get the horse back after all this because I don't trust that she won't sell her once she gets the papers. I don't know how to go about pursuing this, so any advice is much appreciated!