HORSE riding lessons for children at a County Durham stables may be cancelled after thieves stole hundreds of pounds worth of their equipment.

Burglars broke into the livery at Lea Close Farm, in Great Stainton, near Darlington, in the early hours of Friday morning.

Almost all of the youngster’s own equipment which was stored there was snatched, including saddles and other riding gear.

Although the school remains open for business, a number of lessons are likely to be cancelled.

Tony Whitehead, the owner of the stables, said: “The sad thing is it will be the children who suffer.

“The children use their own equipment and sadly we are finding that a number of them were not insured.

“It is a real shame that these kids are losing out because their stuff has been stolen. Their mums and dads would have worked hard to buy this stuff over the years, and it has all gone in one night.”

Darlington police would like to hear from anyone who might have witnessed the break-in, and from any individuals who have been offered riding equipment for sale.

Police believe the break-in happened in the early hours of Friday.

Mr Whitehead said: “I am assisting the police with their inquiries and giving them all the help I can, but so far I don’t think they have any leads.

“This is the first time anything like this has happened in ten years of the stable being open.”

The Lea Close Livery will be hosting a charity show jumping event on Thursday, June 18, to raise money for the children whose riding tack was stolen.

An appeal has also been made for members of the public to donate any unused riding equipment to the stables to be distributed between the students.

For more information, call 07977-732185.

Mr Whitehead added: “We want to do everything we can.

Anyone with a horse is welcome to take part.”

Witnesses are asked to call Darlington police with information on 0345-60-60-365.