Ridgeview Riding, a small riding school in Queen Camel, Somerset that supports riders with disabilities and special educational needs, has suffered the theft of seven valuable saddles during an overnight break-in on November 8. The saddles, worth around £4,500, are crucial to their therapeutic riding sessions, making the loss deeply distressing for the business. Owner Annie Price described the theft as “soul destroying” and urged the community to help prevent the stolen items from being sold on the black market and to assist in identifying the culprits.

The thieves used a vehicle for their getaway, breaking locks to access the saddles, and this is the first time the school has been targeted in such a manner. Ridgeview Riding has shared images of the stolen saddles on Facebook and asked the public to be vigilant, especially for saddles possibly hidden in nearby hedges. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers or Avon and Somerset Police, highlighting the impact such crimes have on vulnerable community services.