PP:42422301.jpg:Heath Grange Farm co-owner Richard Heath, with Hannah Sarkar, one of the riders whose equipment was stolen

RIDING equipment valued at £20,000 may have been stolen to order in what has been described as a "sickening" theft, a yard manager fears.

Thieves targeted a tack room at Heath Grange Farm, off Grange Lane in Lower Broadheath, and stole 20 saddles and other leather goods, including bridles.

Dawn Burford, who runs the farm with business partner Richard Birchley, said her own equipment, along with that of 15 other Worcester riders, was taken during the break-in, which is believed to have happened between 9.30pm on Wednesday, October 15, and 7.30am yesterday.

"It was sickening," said Miss Burford.

"Some people had their saddles specially made to fit their horses. It's not just a case of getting the insurance and buying another saddle. It has to be fitted so it's like the old saddle."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Worcester Police Station on 08457 444888 and quote 103S/161003.