Police are appealing for information after two miniature ponies belonging to a disabled man were stolen from stables in Charlton, Middlesex.
Bailey, a skewbald eight-month-old filly with four white socks (pictured above right), and Tinkerbell, a two-year-old, appaloosa filly (pictured below), were both taken from Manor Farm Stables between 7pm and 7am on 29 December.
Tinkerbell measures 33 inches high, and Bailey, who is microchipped, measures 30 inches. When stolen, they were wearing matching blue combo rugs, made by Dinky Rugs.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Owner Daniel Nicholls, who is wheelchair-bound following a serious riding accident three years ago, had only owned the ponies for four weeks.
“We think that they were led down the road and put into a van,” Daniel told H&H. “Two fences had been knocked down and the padlock had been broken off the gate.
“There are 13 horses at the yard but only those two were taken. We think that they were being watched as the last person at the stables noticed a van waiting nearby in the lane, but it drove off when it was approached.”
Both fillies were well-bred: Bailey’s grandfather was the champion at Horse of the Year Show for three consecutive years and Tinkerbell has bloodlines from the Toy Horse Stud.
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Daniel has been distributing posters and has launched a Facebook group called “Find my miniature ponies” to appeal for information.
“I got these ponies as they are small enough for me to handle. My other horse is just too big and clumsy,” explained Daniel.
“They are the first ponies I have had any interaction with without being squashed since my accident. It is terrible that they have been stolen like this.”
If you have information, contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 (Incident Ref No/ SL0910444) or Daniel on 07738 826953
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