A day of high drama ended well with the safe return of the well-known show jumping stallion Silver Shadow. The grey was reported stolen from his stable in Rockwood, Claregalway, Co Galway, on Sunday evening at 6pm, sparking off a Garda investigation into his whereabouts.

It was an anxious day for his owners, Liam Diamond from Renvyle and veterinary surgeon Philip McManus, who said he “felt sick” at the worrying development. News of the 17-year-old stallion’s disappearance spread like wild fire on social media today, but events moved rapidly throughout the morning, leading to the safe recovery of the pony close by.

The pony was found at 12 noon today unharmed in a disused stable at a remote location.

The alert was first raised when a nearby neighbour of McManus spotted unusual activity in the yard and contacted Philip immediately. A jeep and trailer were spotted leaving the yard with the pony on board but by the time Philip reached home, his beloved pony had disappeared.

A huge nationwide alert was put out on Facebook on Monday morning. However, at approximately 12 noon, a further development was posted on Facebook to inform the public that Silver Shadow had been safely located.

Talking to The Irish Field this afternoon, a relieved McManus said: “A man rang me to say there was a grey pony with shoes on thrown in a stable. I immediately went to the stable and it was Silver (Shadow). He’s on his way home now. We had him out jumping yesterday evening, so he had no rug on when he was taken.

“From now on we won’t be taking any chances on security and will have everything locked up.”

Silver Shadow has represented Ireland at numerous European Show Jumping Championships.

TIMELINE:

Sunday, January 31st 6pm: A neighbour noticed unusual activity at Philip McManus’ home. When McManus returned to his yard, Silver Shadow had been taken from his stable.

Monday, February 1st 10am: Nationwide appeal on Facebook for the location and safe return of the stallion. The Facebook post, which was posted on ‘Silver Shadow the Connemara Stallion’ page was shared over 200 times.

12pm: A further post on the Facebook page confirmed that the 17-year-old stallion was located safe and well, and they thanked everyone for their help in getting the word out about his disappearance.