POLICE are appealing for witnesses following the theft of rare horse riding equipment in North Yorkshire.

Three long distance saddles were stolen from a farm building in Hanging Hill Lane on the outskirts of Leavening, not far from Castle Howard on the evening of Saturday, May 20.

Two of them are rare Ortho-Flex endurance saddles similar to Western or Australian-type saddles and used for long-distance riding.

North Yorkshire Police are now conducting enquiries and requesting the public’s assistance to help determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

In particular, they want to hear from anyone who might have seen the saddles or been offered the equestrian equipment for sale since the incident on May 20.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Paul Fricker. You can also email Paul.Fricker@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12170102813.