Pony seriously injured after being stabbed with electric fence post during riding school break in

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A riding school for the disabled has thanked the community for their "overwhelming" support after thieves stabbed some of their ponies with an electric fence post.

A break in at the Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) in Hook Road left three horses injured, one of them seriously.

The burglars gained access to the premises through a fencing panel on August 14 and went on to injure two ponies owned by the association called Marigold and Buffy. A third horse was also injured.

A spokesman for the association said the ponies were stabbed with an electric fence post during the break in.

The association added it was touched by the support shown by the local community following the "mindless act of cruelty".

"The overwhelming support and generosity from our local and the wider community has been amazing," the spokesman said.

"The local church, equestrian suppliers, riding schools, local residents, businesses and the local media have all offered to raise funds for Epsom RDA.

"We have local residents coming into the yard with carrots and treats for the ponies, chocolate for our volunteers and donations of money.

"The kindness people have shown to Epsom RDA is helping our volunteers and riders to overcome the anger and frustration we feel regarding this mindless act of cruelty to our beloved ponies."

A Surrey Police spokesman said an investigation into the burglary was still ongoing.

"We are continuing to investigate after thieves broke into a riding school in Epsom on Tuesday (August 14)," he said.

"Three horses were injured during the burglary, which took place at the Epsom Riding School for the Disabled in Hook Road.

"It is believed that thieves gained access to the premises through a fencing panel.

"A storage shed was also broken into but nothing appears to have been stolen.

"One of the horses suffered serious injuries and all three have been treated by a vet. Enquiries remain ongoing."

If you witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the offence, please contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting PR/45180087498 or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.