Sheffield: Stolen pony owner in awareness and fundraising ride

The heartbroken owner of a stolen pony is getting "back in the saddle" for the first time since his theft to raise awareness over the missing animal.

Stacey Gill's Chestnut Appaloosa stallion called Mr Sheffield was taken from stables in Sheffield last August.

She will lead a 20-mile (32km) ride in March, which will also raise funds for a charity which has supported her.

Police said the investigation into the theft had been closed after it failed to identify any suspects.

"Every day since he's gone, it hurts so much," Ms Gill said.

She said the stallion had "extremely rare colouring" and was quite small at "just over 10 hands high".

The mum-of-nine believes the three-year-old was targeted for breeding purposes and said he was worth more than £100,000.

She said Mr Sheffield had been with the family for since birth.

"I've had horses all my life but the bond I've got with him is something special," she said.

"I know everything about him - what time he has his breakfast, when he needs feeding so he won't get miserable.

"Not knowing what's happened to him or whether he's even alive is mental torture."

Following the theft from the stables in Grenoside on 11 August, the family turned to animal welfare charity Beauty's Legacy, which works to find lost and stolen animals.

The volunteer-run charity has handed out thousands of leaflets across the county and followed up tip-offs in a bid to find the pony.

Despite a £20,000 reward being offered, no information on his whereabouts has emerged.

Charity founder Lisa Dean said Mr Sheffield was small and could be easily hidden.

"We're doing all we can to get him home.

"We are appealing for people to not forget him and to keep their eyes open for any pony that could be him, and to let us know immediately."

The ride, which also aims to raise funds for Beauty's Legacy, will take place on 17 March.

It will depart from the Trans Pennine Trail car park on Cote Green Lane at noon.

Ms Gill will be accompanied by her daughter on the ride.

"I have not ridden a horse since the day he was stolen and my heart is in pieces.

"But I want to get back in that saddle for my boy and for the incredible charity that has given me so much support."

South Yorkshire Police previously said officers had closed the investigation after all available lines of inquiry had been "exhausted" and no suspects had been identified.

The force said it would reopen the inquiry should any new information emerge.

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