Callous thieves steal thousands of pounds of riding equipment
Thousands of pounds of equipment has been stolen from a riding school near Stourbridge.
Twenty-four sets of bridles and saddles, worth around £4,500, were taken by raiders after they forced their way into at a metal lock-up at County Lane Stables at Iverley.
The break-in, which happened overnight between Thursday and Friday, left the school at risk of having to cancel lessons at the weekend.
But after putting out an appeal on social media bosses were inundated with donations of equipment to allow them to remain open.
Horse owners and other riding schools arrived at the stables on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with saddles and bridles for staff to borrow.
Yard manager Helen Walker said: "The support we have received from the horse riding community has been unbelievable.
"Without the necessary equipment we wouldn't have been able to trade at the weekend.
"The overwhelming amount of support we've had and the amount of tack we have been leant or given really does make us realise how many good people there are out there who are so willing to help us."
"We would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of all the staff and horses to everyone who as helped us out over the past few days," she added.
The school, which trains students at Stourbridge College, has vowed to work with police to help clampdown on equestrian crime, which has become more frequent in recent years.
Spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police Sarah Davison confirmed an investigation was under way and appealed for witnesses to get in touch.
She added: "Officers are investigating a burglary at a riding school in South Staffordshire.
"The break-in happened overnight between Thursday January 15 and Friday January 16 at County Lane Stables, Iverley, near Stourbridge.
"A large amount of pony and full size tack were stolen.
"Anyone who has any information on the burglary, or who is offered items for sale at a knockdown price, is urged to contact Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 103 of January 16.
"Alternatively, they can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."
