Another swing you may want to take is asking the sheriffs dept. to escort you to pick up your property. You aren't asking them to get involved other than being there for your protection. (The guy has guns and you feel unsafe.
) This is often done when there are any type of property disputes.
At least if the the new "owner" puts up any kind of resistance you have documentation to prove it's your horse.
If I were you I'd just round up a bunch of friends and go get the horse. It is after all yours. The guy obviously knows it belongs to you, or he wouldn't be trying to extort (good word to use with the law) you out of $5K. If he tries anything maybe the sheriffs would help then.
Also... Do you have state police that can get involved. Around here the Sheriffs are more of a contract service, and usually don't get involved in anything out of the norm. The state police are willing to do allot more since they are a civil service.
Good Luck

At least if the the new "owner" puts up any kind of resistance you have documentation to prove it's your horse.
If I were you I'd just round up a bunch of friends and go get the horse. It is after all yours. The guy obviously knows it belongs to you, or he wouldn't be trying to extort (good word to use with the law) you out of $5K. If he tries anything maybe the sheriffs would help then.
Also... Do you have state police that can get involved. Around here the Sheriffs are more of a contract service, and usually don't get involved in anything out of the norm. The state police are willing to do allot more since they are a civil service.
Good Luck