Laura,
Did you call the cops? If not you need to. Think about the fact that they could have hurt one of your horses, dogs, or you. People who are bold enough to come on your place in the middle of the night and do that is more than a little touched!!!!! I do have a shotgun and do know how to use it! I suggest you get one (but put buckshot not snake shot). I would have no problem going out to investigate with no one home, but my Aussie is so protective he would bite somebody that would challenge me. I've been known to go out and holler I got a gun and I do know how to use it so I suggest you HAUL @$$ AND DON'T COME BACK. But we're back to the line between brave and insane!
You NEED to call and make a report. But guys y'all would be way surprised how many small counties do NOT take fingerprints for anything. Mine doesn't. Daughter heard a guy breaking in to her car here on our place (her house was just down the hill). We needless to say when she called I hollered out the window for all to hear. Get the shotgun, I've got the pistol we'll be right there! Then I called all the neighbors and the neighbor caught him at gun point in his truck. It was crazy and the cops said fingerprints - nope we don't do that.
Talk about Mayberry!
Anyway sorry I got on a tangent, its late and I'm tired.
Be careful.