Stolen Shetland stallion found tethered and hogged a week later

Registered Shetland pony stallion Benston Issac, who was stolen from his field on 25 March in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, has been returned safe and well to his owners.

The eight-year-old skewbald stallion belonging to the Abacus Shetland Pony Stud, was found found a week after his theft, tethered by the side of a canal.

Police believe Isaac had been dragged through an electric fence and either lifted or squeezed through a kissing gate, then and led across an arable field to a busy, main road, where he was driven away.

A member of the public found the stallion 20 miles away from Houghton Regis. His mane had been hogged to change his appearance.

Garry Porter, chairman of the UK Horsewatch Alliance said: “Isaac was able to be traced back to his owner thanks to his microchip and up-to-date records.

“HorseWatch would always suggest a freeze mark as primary identification as this is a visible deterrent against theft.”

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