An Arkansas appeals court has upheld a guilty verdict in the case against Wendi Cox, who was convicted for her role in a high-profile case involving the theft of horses used by the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) collegiate rodeo team.

In November 2011, five SAU rodeo team horses were taken from the Mulerider Stables at the university's Magnolia, Arkansas, campus. Four of the missing horses and the remains of the fifth horse were later recovered in McCurtain County, Oklahoma.

Arkansas State Police later arrested Jaci Jackson and charged her with six counts felony theft of property. Oklahoma law enforcement authorities also charged Jackson with three felonies in connection with the thefts. Jackson was subsequently found guilty.

Cox, Jackson's mother, was later charged for her role in the death of the fifth horse. She was found guilty and sentenced to serve 60 years in prison