Girl's first pony club experience ruined by thieves

TIANNI Donald was due to begin her first pony lessons in two weeks.But thieves have robbed the 11-year-old of that opportunity after they not only stole her riding saddle, but several other pieces of equipment valued at more than $5000 and belonging to her mother, Zoe Gillett.The theft happened between 11.30am Monday and 8.30am yesterday.Police said somebody drove up 200m into the family's Haddon School Rd property and broke into their car where the equipment was stored.Ms Gillett said the car was for storage only, and the family was in the middle of moving to Smythesdale. Among the equipment stolen were five saddles, two bridles, several saddle blankets and helmets."You have got to come down a fair driveway to get to the front of the house and they have done that and just seen the stuff in the station wagon and taken it," she said.People are being urged to look out for the saddles, some of which are distinctive.Among them is a pony all-purpose saddle and another is a western brown saddle.Tianni appealed for the return of the equipment."All I want to do is get my old saddle back and go to pony club," she said.Anyone with information can contact the Smythesdale Police on 5342 8524 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.