Thieves steal horse feed from Willington charity

Jean Bedford, one of the founders of the Bedford and District Handicapped Riders Association in Willington is shocked that anyone would steal from a stables.

She said: “Linda Dodgson, who looks after the feeding arrived on Sunday morning (December 18) to find that 11 bags of food, 10 feeding buckets and four bins had been taken. I am gobsmacked that anyone could stoop so low as do do anything like this – especially from a charity like us.”

The organisation – which provides horse riding sessions and classes for adults and children who are disabled or have learning difficulties – celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.

Around 100 young riders with disabilities visit the centre every week, and it has a close relationship with special schools in Chronicle Country and Bedford.

Jean, who founded the Balls Lane charity with Miriam Godber back in 1961 is sad that such a significant year has ended in this way.

She added: “It’s such a shame as we have had a fantastic year and it has been a pleasure to celebrate our 50th year of operation.

“It’s very sad that somebody has taken the edge off things by committing a cruel, selfish and pointless offence like this.”

Around 550lb worth of feed was stolen, along with the buckets and bins which are used to store the food and feed the horses.

Jean said: “The break-in occurred sometime on Saturday (December 17) or possibly overnight, but the police think it probably happened before nightfall.

“Saturday night was very cold and there was a heavy frost, but there are no signs of any footprints anywhere around the stables or in the roads nearby.”

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police confirmed that an investigation is under way. Anyone with any information should contact 101.