I won't say what I really want to because this thread needs to stay open.
But I will say Ropo I am so sad for you and Max. This has gone on long enough and you need to have your boy back. I can't imagine all the emotions you must be going through. Big huge hugs to you and Max. You will get him back. Stay strong and positive.
Wow! What a nightmare. I can't believe some of what I have read on this thread. Actually, I take that back- I can believe it. It does totally sound like the "good 'ole boy's club". They have basically tried to railroad and beat you into submission for months. I'm sure it is a pattern with them. I don't believe for one second that the uncle is not involved. It seems like he has said some somewhat disparaging things about his nephew... probably all a smoke screen.... and he claims the nephew said he was married to you?!? Seriously? You have got to be kidding me. He knows his nephew well enough to horse trade with him, but doesn't know his WIFE? Yeah, right.
They all sound like they are thick as thieves and probably all in it together. That or there are several covering up for the few guilty parties involved. The original judge recusing herself may have actually been a good thing though. Maybe she is confident that the charges will stick and she just doesn't want *anything* to stand in the way of that. At least I hope that is what it was. Are you sure they even still *have* your horse? I hope so, but is seems doubtful unless this has all been about extorting a bunch of money from you. I will say a prayer for you. I sincerely hope all works out for you and you get your horse back safe and sound.
I once sold a Throughbred that I got back. It took me a while. He is a beautiful ex racehorse. He had won a lot at the tracks(I looked up his records) but was retired after an injury. He healed, but his race days were over. He is a very calm, BIG, sweet horse. NOthing bothers him..not even firecrackers. I told all of this to the person interested in him. He said he really liked him. I thought he was getting a good home. Also, he wanted to do a vet check etc. before paying for him . After he got him, he said he did the x-rays, and found he had an old injury and was not sure he wanted him. I told him, that was fine, bring him back. He would not bring him back, and also would not show the x-rays or give me the vet he supposedly got them done at. A couple of months went by..during which I kept calling him asking him to bring the horse back . HOwever, in my case, when I told him to bring him back or I was going to press charges, he brought him back. But not before he rode him, HARD. When my poor horse got back, he was soaked in sweat. He had rode him hard, then stuck in in the trailor!
I was so furious..but at least I got him back.
When is the next court case?
Have you called your state governor's office? Since he took it out of state, you might want to try.
Bounty hunter? Animal rescue group? (Someone like the bikers on Animal Planet who intimidate the hell out of everybody.) Equine Protection Network? (equineprotectionnetwork.com) Article on how Texas Rangers are helping to recover stolen horses nationwide. http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=5567 I would also start filing complaints with the state bar association against the incompetence of the judges and any attorneys involved. This is utter Drat!.