Missing ponies stolen from ranch found

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Two missing ponies have been found safe after they were stolen from a South Florida camp.

Rusty and Sunday received a big welcome back Monday morning at the Circle C Youth Ranch after they were taken nearly two weeks ago. The pair was decorated in ribbons and ate a big bowl of apples, oatmeal and carrots. "Party, yeah, we're gonna party," said camper Michael Novas.

Last week, campers were upset after the pair was taken away. "I was like surprised. Why would people steal ponies?" said camper Dario Duarte.

Rusty and Sunday were taken from their Southwest Miami-Dade ranch on June 30. Witnesses said three men took off with the ponies in the back of their truck, claiming the ponies had wandered off.

Several days later, a tip came in and led ranch manager Wayne Herschberger to their rescue. "Someone ended up calling us and said we think we have your ponies, and I described them, and we went to check it out, and it was our ponies," said Herschberger.

The ponies were found at a nearby ranch and brought back home safe. "They gave their pony rides this morning, and the kids came down there, and they were happy they were back," said Herschberger.

Herschberger does not know if he will press charges.

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