POLICE are appealing for information after a show pony worth up to £9,000 was stolen from a Hampshire livery.

As previously reported, Diptford Daydreamer went missing from his field in Lower Peake Farm, Warnford, last month, prompting fears from trainer Julia Ryde-Rogers that the gelding could be on the black market.

Also known as Pirate, the horse has been a success at county-wide competitions. He is described as nine-years-old and 14.2-hands in height.

He went missing on July 24. Ms Ryde-Rogers suspects a horse trailer, seen on an adjoining narrow track, was involved.

More than 10,000 horse lovers have now shared her appeal on Facebook to track down the Pirate is microchipped, making him difficult to sell legitimately without a ‘passport’ held by Ms Ryde-Rogers, which includes medical records and identification.

In an appeal statement, Hampshire Constabulary said: “Horse theft, where there is no ownership dispute or other civil dispute, is a rare occurrence, but we would advise horse owners ensure that they take precautions to protect their horses from theft.

“Ensure your horse is freeze marked and/or microchipped and that your details are up to date with the microchip or freeze mark company.

"Keep fencing and gates in good condition and secured to prevent accidental escape and check your horse regularly, at least once a day.”

Call 101 with information.