Sorry that it wasn't completely resolved today for you RoPo. At least that little turd you leased Max to didn't get off scott free. It'd be nice if the uncle could join his worthless nephew on the weekends. I have a good feeling in your favor since they are only continuing it for about 2 weeks, not two months or more. If you can afford to, I'd use some of that money that was awarded (although I don't suspect that you were paid today) and use it for an attorney if you could. The bad thing about a monetary judgment in your favor is you still have to collect on it. That can get drawn out for a long time if the courts didn't force him to pay up right then and there, upon walking out of the courthouse. Then you'll have to go after him with garnishments, etc..
If you can bring every tidbit of evidence that the uncle is aware, has been aware, that the horse came to him through illegal means, bring ALL of that stuff to court with you to the next hearing. Anything you can show that is proof that he was aware that the horse was under a contractual lease will greatly help disprove any claim he has on the horse. Really, the uncle's case is against the nephew, not against you. Let him sue his worthless nephew to recoup any money he paid for the horse, but Max should be returned to you, no questions asked.
