Sheriff’s office investigating after life-size horse statue stolen in Clinton County

TRIMBLE, Mo. – The Clinton County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office is investigating after they said thieves stole a life-size horse statue.

It happened in Trimble, just north of Smithville. The owners have now replaced it with a temporary sign.

The owners did not want to talk on camera, but told FOX4 they’re “disheartened” and “disappointed”.

They said there’s been a horse statue on the corner of 169 Highway and Z Highway since the ’80s and this is the first time it’s ever been stolen.

“It’s sad,” Sheriff Larry Fish said. “Anytime you take somebody’s property, even if it’s just for a prank, it’s not right.”

The sheriff and his detectives are investigating after the life-size horse statue was stolen. He said it’s a staple in the community.

When someone’s giving directions, the owner said they use the horse statue as a landmark.

They even dress it up on holidays.

Now, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office is working to find the statue and direct it home.

At this point Fish believes more than one person played a role in the theft.

“It’s got a couple long rods that go into the ground to anchor it,” Fish said. “So, it would’ve took a few people to help lift it up out of the ground and move it.”

The owners believe the thieves would’ve needed a flatbed or horse trailer to move the 150-pound statue.

They think it was taken on the Fourth of July holiday and found half empty beer cans near the corner where it was stolen.

The owners have since reported the statue stolen and put up a new sign that says, “horse stolen.” They said it’s to let the public know, they didn’t take down the beloved statue.

They just want it back.

“Bring it back,” Fish said. “Bring it back to the rightful owner, that way people can see it, just because a lot of people in the area like to look for that landmark when they are traveling.”

If you have any information call or reach out to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office at (816) 539-2156. .

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