A reward is being offered for the return of a rare riding hat worth over £1,000.
The hat was stolen from the Classic Dressage stand at Badminton Horse Trials on Saturday (6 May).
Julia Hornig, owner of Classic Dressage, said that hat is the only one of its kind in the UK.
The 56cm Miss Shield helmet by Samshield features Swarovski crystals and has a RRP of £1,100.
Julia is offering a £100 reward voucher to get it back.
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“It’s actually gutting and so unfair,” she told H&H. “It is a very specific look and it’s the only premium finish in navy with the bermuda blue Swarovski carpet top and black chrome trim here in the UK.
“It was one of the first ones made. They are just introducing it over here.”
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The helmet features a distinctive long visor, popular with showjumpers in warmer climates, and a customizable front band.
It is designed on the base of a classic Samshield helmet and has the same technical features.
The hat was on display at the four-star event with the other helmets. Julia believes it was stolen between 4 and 5pm on Saturday when the stand was very busy.
“We noticed within 10 minutes of it going,” she said. “I thought I would offer £100 — maybe someone will get it back to us.”
She added that she had a good time at Badminton apart from the theft.
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“Ninety-nine out of 100 people are amazing and love to be helped and are very happy,” she said. “Every now and again you get a complete asshole.”
Avon and Somerset police is investigating the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the force by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 5217101204.
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.
