A TOP international event rider has been left devastated after thieves ransacked his yard and stole more than £25,000 worth of equipment.

James Adams said his life’s work had been taken by the crooks, who stripped the tack room at his professional competition yard in Whinney Hill, near Darlington, completely bare.

As well as taking dozens of expensive bridles, boots and saddles, the heartless thieves also swiped the rugs off four of his horses’ backs.

The 36-year-old, who has ridden horses all his life and competed in high-profile events across the world, said: “My tack room was literally stripped bare – all that was left was the bin.

“But taking the rugs off the horses’ backs is just the lowest of the low.

“This is November when the horses have been clipped – they would have been freezing.”

Dozens of competition rugs were also taken during the raid, as well as a generator, first aid kits, body protectors, chaps, a dressage tailcoat and a flat-screen television ripped off the wall of his horsebox.

The Northern Echo:

Mr Adams, pictured above, said: “I am heartbroken. I have worked with horses all my life but now there is literally nothing left.

“They took things I have won at competitions and different pieces of tack that were significant to me, like the saddle I rode at Burghley Horse Trials, which was a career highlight.

“They took my cross country body protector which is in my colours – sky blue and black – which are exclusive to me.

“They didn’t just take my things, but some of my sister’s things as well. We are devastated - it is like everything I have ever worked for has gone.”

The incident happened late on Saturday night (November 8) or early Sunday morning and Mr Adams said since the burglary he has been inundated with support.

“The amount of support, help and well wishes I have had from my friends, people in the equestrian industry and even people who don’t know me has been unbelievable,” he said.

“I have had people bringing me rugs for the horses, saddles, bridles and boots. I have even had people baking cakes. They have been so supportive and I am really humbled by how people have rallied round.”

PC Chris Horner, of Darlington police urged anyone who has been offered any expensive tack at cheap prices to get in touch.

“This was a high value theft and we will be following up all possible leads given to us,” he added. Anyone with any information should call police on 101 and ask for PC Horner.