A riding centre has been forced to turn away disabled children and adults, after thieves stole £15,000 worth of tack.
‘Worst present’
Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled in Highwood, Essex have had toclose down after 14 saddles and bridles were taken.
Until they can replace the stolen tack, 120 children and adults who take lessons at the farm each week are unable to ride.
Centre manager Anne Mitchell, who has worked at Barrow Farm for 40 years, described the incident as the “worst Christmas present ever.”
‘Amazing support’
“When we came in on Tuesday we found the tackroom lock had been cut and the bars on the window were cut off,” Anne told H&C.“Every single one of our saddles and bridles have all gone.”
Despite admitting they are “cross and upset about the whole thing” Anne says she has been overwhelmed by the support they have received since the break-in.
“We have had having amazing support from the local community,” she said HC. “People have been so kind and we have been induntated with donations of money and tack.We are just so grateful, but want people to know we don’t need any more equipment.”
‘Devil to fit’
Anne says they hope to be up-and-running by next week, however they need to make sure all the tack fits first.
“One of our ponies, Tango, had an Ideal saddle especially made him as he’s a devil to fit,” she said. “There is no guarantee we will find one to fit that’s a good enough fit to put disabled children on him.”
“We are insured so we will get it all replaced in time. But that saddle took six weeks to fit, so it will take another six weeks before we can get another one.”
Policeinvestigation
As the tack is marked with their postcode (CMI 3QR), Anne hopes they may get some of it back. She has asked for people to get in touch if they are offered good quality, second hand tack.
Essex Police are investigating the burglary which occurred between 10pm on 7 December and 7.50am on 8 December. Anyone with information is asked to call Chelmsford police station on 101.