THE owner of a prize-winning pony has criticised youths who he says chased the animal to its death.

John Jimminson said his heavily pregnant mare, called Emma, had died in agony days after it had been chased in a field by youths with dogs.

The mare had been the pride and joy of Dales pony breeder Tom Coulthard, of West Auckland, who died earlier this year.

Mr Jimminson, Mr Coulthard's son-in-law, said he and his family were devastated by the loss of the ten-year-old pony which suffered for days after the incident, in Shildon.

He said people living near Elm Road Club, in the town, had spotted a gang of youths chasing Emma and several other horses.

He said that Emma had been seen running towards a fence where she injured herself when she did not make the jump.

Mr Jimminson, 56, said: "She twisted herself and fell to the ground in agony. She never got back up.

"I was called out by someone who had seen her lying on the floor. I did not realise what had happened until days later.

"She must have been lying for hours in distress.

"She was in agony. I don't think these youths think about what they are doing. It was a really horrible way for her to die."

Mr Jimminson said he had spent his life savings buying the field so that Emma and his other horses could live in peace and enjoy the rest of their lives.

He said: "My father-in-law was a top breeder, one of the first to breed Dales ponies. He won many awards with his horses. Emma was one of the best.

"We wanted to breed from his horses and have been trying for ages. We have even had them scanned. Emma was probably the last chance we had."

Mr Jimminson has contacted the police and last night they confirmed they were looking into the incident.

PC Mandy Lawton, from the Shildon office, said: "We would like anyone who may have seen the incident to contact us."

PC Lawton can be contacted on (01325) 314401.