£100k of riding gear is stolen

Almost £100,000 of horse riding equipment has been stolen from an equestrian firm in a south Staffordshire village.

Bosses at Barker Saddlery, in Essington, today said they have been left empty-handed after their entire stock, which they take around the country to horse shows, was stolen.

Sarah Barker today issued an appeal for help to trace the equipment, which she claims is worth between £80,000 and £100,000. It includes saddles, whips, jodphurs and rugs.

The horse equipment was in a van stolen from the company's Essington base overnight following a horse show the day before. The van was later found but all the equipment was missing.

Mother-of-three Mrs Barker, aged 36, said the equipment had been left in the van following her late return from a Warwickshire show. Police spokeswoman Jane Hoult said: "Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."