Todd County girl whose horse was killed to get pony

Savannah

A fellow Long Prairie horse lover's gift to the grief-stricken girl was one of several offers.

By Paul Walsh, Star Tribune

Last update: November 9, 2007 - 8:18 PM

Katie Symalla will have a new pony today, thanks to a fellow Long Prairie resident who stepped up to help the girl whose horse was killed and mutilated outside the family's Todd County home.

Rajah Sweet Lady, an 8-month-old filly, will be given to Katie today at the Browerville, Minn., ranch, where she is kept.

"My daughters [ages 10 and 11] love horses as well, and I couldn't imagine [them] having to face something so tragic," said Sue Wenzel, who is turning Lady over to Katie.

Other offers came from elsewhere in Minnesota and as far away as Ohio, said Katie's mother, Veronica Monti.

"There are so many people who know about this," Monti said Thursday. "Please tell everyone how thankful we are and heartwarming all of this is."

The Humane Society of the United States has put up a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the mutilation.

Katie found Savannah dead on the family's Long Prairie property last Saturday. It appears someone used a sharp instrument to remove all the soft tissue on the left side of the head, including the lip, nostril and ear flap, said veterinarian Dr. Charles Moberg.

Investigators said they are looking for a small white pickup that was seen in the area last Saturday morning. Anyone with information about the crime should call Todd County Chief Deputy Bryan Tebben at 1-320-732-2157 or 1-800-794-5733.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

Paul Walsh • pwalsh@startribune.com