A newly restored horsebox containing passports and equipment has been stolen from a yard in Oxfordshire.
Thieves broke into Roger and Sarah Edmunds’ private yard in Goring overnight last week (21-22 September).
Fences were broken down and their six horses were left running free.
“The thieves went around the back of the property, avoiding the security cameras and drove across the fields,” Roger told H&H.
“We arrived there on Tuesday morning and were met with panicking horses.
“They could have got out onto the railway line or into the river — it took us three hours to calm them down, one was close to colicking.”
The burnt-out cab and chassis of the horsebox was discovered on Thursday (24 September) close to the Ridgeway on the Berkshire/Oxfordshire border.
The couple are now hoping they can trace the three-horse container, which was taken from the chassis before it was set on fire.
“We would recognise it at a glance no matter what they did to it,” said Roger.
“We have posted pictures on Facebook and it has been shared thousands of times all around the world. We want to make it too hot to handle.”
The horsebox (pictured above right) was a Tristar three-horse lorry worth more than £10,000. It contained riding canes, including one Sarah was given on her 18th birthday, the horses’ passports and other equipment.
“It took me five years to save up for this lorry, then we spent the past four years restoring it to as new condition,” said Sarah.
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“It only passed its plating test on 8 September with no advisories and I’ve not even had the bill in for the pre-plate service yet.
“I’m just grateful none of the horses were hurt although they are still very unsettled and clingy.”
A Thames Valley Police spokesman added: “We are investigating and anyone with any information is asked to call Thames Valley Police via the 101 number, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,”
