Amongst the many tales of unexplained phenomena, few cases are as perplexing and disturbing as the mysterious death of Snippy the horse.

This unsettling incident, which occurred in the desolate wilderness of the San Luis Valley in Colorado, has puzzled investigators and sparked speculation for decades. From strange wounds and unexplained radiation to bizarre sightings and decidedly odd circumstances, the case of Snippy the horse continues to haunt those who dare to peer into its mysterious depths..

Or not. You decide…

The story of Snippy begins in September 1967 when Snippy, a three year old Appaloosa mare did not return to the ranch for her tea. Anyone who knows horses will know that this would be a massive cause for concern as most horses are creatures of habit that will arrive at dinnertime on the dot, regardless of whether there is anyone there to feed them, and then bray like starving donkeys until there nutritional needs (or wants) are met.

They are also very expensive animals, especially when they need medical attention and one must presume that the ranch she roamed also played host to other wild animals. Snakes, perhaps or some other carniverous scavengers.

So it’s quite surprising that her owner, Harry King, didn’t make his ‘horrifying discovery’ until Snippy and been AWOL for two whole days.

I’m not judging, although I clearly am. I’m also not making light of the fact this poor beasty was missing for two whole days. I would’ve been beside myself with worry. Unlike her owner. Anyhoo..

He found Snippy’s lifeless body in a remote pasture, her head grotesquely mutilated and stripped of flesh. What made the scene even more chilling were the bizarre circumstances surrounding Snippy’s death, and the way it appears to have been handled.

Firstly, investigators were called – where these investigators hailed from appears to be a mystery in itself because none of the countless articles or books I’ve read seem to be able to agree. Some cite the local sheriff whilst others hint at some kind of shadowy government department but either way Investigators were called to observe a horse that had been dead in the desert for anywhere up to two days in the open. In the sun. With the scavengers.

The Investigators were baffled by the nature of Snippy’s injuries. I’m baffled that they could still determine any injuries after being a buffet for the local wildlife.

*Trigger Warning for the gory bit – you’re welcome*

The press had been called in at this point so there are quite a few photos and it was all quite unpleasant to look at. Thankfully they are all in black and white so they didn’t put me off my pizza.

Most reports state her head appeared to have been “cleanly sliced off with surgical precision, leaving behind a skull devoid of flesh or blood.”

I’ve only ever seen two photos, so I assume the Investigators had their hands full smoking Marlborough cigarettes and squinting into the distance, but even so at first glance that would be quite inaccurate.

The skull is exposed as are the vertebrae of the entire neck. Photos are a bit grainy but on some of them it looks like the ribcage has some slight damage and on one picture you can clearly see what looks like the skin of the neck folded back onto the shoulder, but it gets even more bizarre.

The reports state that strange burn marks and radiation readings were detected at the scene. There doesn’t seem to be any photos that state or claim to be of these burn marks, which I find odd. The case is deemed important enough for investigators to be called but not to be photographed – hmmm? From the two pics there does seem to be dark marks around the carcass but they seem consistent with decomposition and scavenger activity. I would also suggest that the mare may have been moved slightly, maybe during the examination by investigators.

If radiation was detected there seems to be no record of who did the survey and for what reason or the actual levels of radiation recorded. Equipment was available to survey for radiation at the time and I would suggest that due to the public awareness of nuclear weapons etc in the sixties, any clicking of a Geiger would have resulted in just about everyone bolting for the nearest fall out shelter. Maybe that’s why they didn’t take many photos.

All of this ‘scorched’ ground and alleged radiation led some to speculate that Snippy’s death may have been the result of extraterrestrial or paranormal activity – literally. I mean, it’s a wild leap but you’ve got to admire the imagination. And wonder how THAT conversation went when they got back to headquarters..

Captain – Ah, you’re back from looking at dead horses. How did it go?

Investigator – Not bad boss, horse was missing some bits but…

Captain – missing bits? Scavengers?

Investigator – No. We don’t think so..

Captain – Oh. Interesting – I look forward to seeing the photos. You did take photos?

Investigator – yeeees… And radiation readings…

Captain – radiation… What. Why? It’s a dead horse in the deser… What is your conclusion, detective?

Investigator – well, we think it was aliens…

In the wake of Snippy’s death, local authorities launched an investigation into the ‘bizarre’ incident. Among the main investigators was the sheriff, who led the initial examination of the scene and conducted interviews with witnesses. – Don’t ask who these witnesses are, I have no idea – Despite their efforts, no conclusive explanation was ever reached apparently. The case remained unsolved, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unresolved mysteries. Allegedly. *Shrugs*

In the years that followed, Snippy’s death became the subject of speculation and controversy, with theories ranging from natural predators (more of a possibility than a theory) and occult rituals to government experimentation and alien abduction. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the case of Snippy the horse continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists and irritate researchers interested in the paranormal and unexplained.

Although the case of Snippy the horse has left it’s mark on popular culture, inspiring books, documentaries, and even a feature film. The circumstances surrounding her death, particularly the aftermath, have become the stuff of legend, fuelling speculation and debate among those who seek to find mystery behind the truth.