The Horse Thief Detecting Society met on Saturday night, Oct. 27, and approved a $250 donation to the Hot to Trot Stable in Cold Spring. The stable had helped a special needs youngster learn how to ride as well as feed and groom horses.
Now imagine you’re the proprietor of the stable and you receive the donation. You’re probably used to getting contributions from the public, but the name on the check sounds like a joke.
It’s legitimate, however. The Cornwall, New Windsor, Monroe Horse Thief Detecting Society has been around since 1805. The last time the members tracked a missing steed was 1909. But if they disbanded their organization, the money in their treasury would go to the state.
So long ago, the group decided to keep on meeting. The members gather once a year for a dinner at the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church followed by a business meeting in the parish’s Community Hall.
The outfit has 170 members. But they have never been in the same room at the same time. About half that amount was present for the Oct. 26 meeting and dinner. Secretary Mike Mattausch read the minutes from the previous year and indicated that several horse thief detectors were behind in paying their $5 a year dues.
Still the treasury is able to make donations to worthy outfits — especially one, like Hot to Trot, that involves horses.
At the Oct. 26 gathering, President Jim Clearwater addressed the audience and presided over the installation of new members. A group is only as good as its participants. And this year there were some worthy additions to the membership.
The gathering accepted a charter boat captain, who can serve as their coast guard. The gentleman later divulged that he has had experience with sea horses. A former New York City detective was obviously well qualified for the assignment.
And the audience said “yes” to one other newcomer although his credentials were less impressive. He admitted that he just likes “horsing around.”