Horse theft is not a crime that one would expect to hear about in the 21st Century, but the loss of one horse this week has seen an online campaign reach thousands and thousands of people.

Josh, described by every person who has come forward from the village where he was living in semi-retirement as gentle and affectionate, has had more attention this week than some missing people ever do.

Part of the pull of the story may have been that Josh is a mount in the Beaufort Hunt, known locally for its charitable activities since fox hunting was banned, or perhaps it is simply that he is believed to have been stolen.

The kidnap of a beloved pet in any circumstances would be distressing but the theft of this 28 year old horse, known for his friendly disposition, must be truly heartbreaking for Josh’s owners.

Although the thieves must have targeted Josh and known he would be easier to coax away than the other horses it seems bizarre that anyone would steal such a distinctive animal not cleared to leave the UK.

Josh’s owners are pushing their campaign day after day to find their horse, reaching out to Ireland and many horse auctioneers in the UK.

Hopefully Josh will be found soon and the culprits brought to justice but it remains to be seen if he will be found in the UK or further afield where the campaign may not yet have reached.