Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 9, 1994                   TAG: 9406090041
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: By KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI                                 LENGTH: Medium

SUIT OVER DYED HORSE DISMISSED

General District Judge Danny Bird explained Wednesday to Bud White that he can't seek a civil judgment against Crystal Dawn Atkinson because she is underage.

White filed suit seeking $2,700 for expenses and care of the horse made necessary by the theft and dye job.

The 3-year-old breeding stallion, Fine Arts Classic Touch, is valued by White at $20,000. White had to postpone some breeding sessions for the horse because of concerns about the effect of the dye and because the animal pulled a leg muscle while it was missing.

White reported the horse missing Sept. 26. He found the animal running loose about 24 hours later, dyed black all over from mane to tail. Part of his horse's value lies in its unusual black-and-white spotted coloring.

White's claim against the girl's mother, Carol Atkinson Ratcliff, also was dismissed. Bird made that move after reviewing the girl's juvenile conviction for the theft of the horse. It was unclear from Juvenile Judge William Thomas' ruling whether restitution was denied by Thomas or referred to civil court.

White may ask Thomas for a rehearing on the restitution matter or may appeal Bird's ruling to Circuit Court. The case may end up being moved to the Roanoke, where Ratcliff and her daughter live, because the girl's probation has been transferred there.