By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

GOSHEN TWP. - The endless nights of waiting were over Saturday night for Tim and Diane Waechter when two horses stolen from their farm returned home.

Tim and Diane Waechter tend to Princess (left) while Terrie Conroy guides her horse, Rainbow. (Mike Simons photo) | ZOOM |

Princess, a 10-year-old chestnut Arabian mare, was tracked down to Bracken County, Ky. - her fourth home since she was taken from the family farm on Thanksgiving. Rainbow, a 17-year-old chestnut Arabian/saddlebred mare, had been sold to an Edwardsburg, Mich., family whose three daughters wanted her for a 4-H project.

"It's been gut-wrenching to go through this for a couple of weeks," said Mrs. Waechter as she nuzzled with Princess Sunday. "It was a complete relief that they are home and they're OK."

The horses, decked out in bright red Christmas bows, were two of four stolen from two Tristate farms and sold at an auction in Shipshewana, Ind., southeast of Indianapolis. A tip to local authorities, as well as help from the auctioneer and the Internet, led police to the horses' whereabouts.

Police have "two, possibly three" suspects and anticipate arrests by the end of the week, said Chief Ray Snyder of the Goshen Township Police.

Princess' return was a surprise to the Waechters, who were anticipating Rainbow's arrival. Police told them they had leads on her, but did not let on that they had her in custody, Chief Snyder said.

Both horses were in good condition, with a couple bite marks and bruises, and will be checked out by the veterinarian this week. Princess, who has a thyroid problem, had lost a little weight, Mrs. Waechter said.

In Warren County, Helge and Holly Buflod were reunited with their two horses Sunday afternoon. Blackjack and Midnight were stolen Dec. 5 - a week after the Waechters' - from their Wayne Township farm and tracked down to Michigan and Indiana.

"We both cried when we found out," Mr. Buflod said Saturday night. "It's a miracle that they were only gone for a week."

The Waechters have increased security on their farm, including more lights and locks, and are looking into more identification and possibly microchips.

The couple also plans on lobbying for legislation to oversee the horse auctions, which see up to 600 horses a week, Mr. Waechter said.

"You can't just sell all these horses," Mrs. Waechter said. "Something needs to be done."

Karen Vance contributed to this story. E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com