AN eight-year-old girl has been left heartbroken after the lease of a pony she was given as a birthday gift was cut short.

Little Eva Bowering, of Barnt Green, is distraught after the three-month loan of a pony was withdrawn six weeks early without explanation.

The loan was cut short the day after little Eva was placed sixth best in show at a gymkhana.

"Horses are my little girl's life and she has been left devastated by this. I can't believe they have withdrawn the loan without proper explanation," said her mum Leigh Bowering.

"It was particularly painful for her because she had done so well in this show."

Mrs Bowering, of Hewell Road, is now warning other parents to be wary when arranging the loan of horses with stables.

She did not wish to name the stables she had agreed the loan with for legal reasons.

"I suggest that anyone thinking of entering into a loan agreement for a horse should make sure that there are no clauses where the stables can withdraw the agreement."

Mrs Bowering agreed to pay the stable owners' £50 per week for three months at the end of April. She also agreed she would be responsible for the pony's upkeep and veterinary bills during the loan period.

"Eva became so attached to the pony. She gave up all her after school activities, including art and recorder club, to care for it and it is cruel for this to be taken away from her.

"I just can't seem to stop her tears," added Mrs Bowering.

The family is now seeking legal advice.