Brazen thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of the horse-riding equipment when they raided a Chorleywood livery yard in the early hours of this morning (Thursday).

Shocked horse-lovers at the New House Farm Livery Stables, in Farm Road, awoke to discover the raid – the latest in a string of similar incidents in the area.

Items taken from the nine separate yards included: saddles, bridles, harnesses and even an Isuzu 4 X 4 vehicle.

Michelle Mcdonnell, who leases a yard at the site said: “This was obviously the work of professionals. They chose a loud and windy night and new exactly what they were looking for.

"Horse-related thefts are absolutely rife in this area at the moment. I know of about 15 in the past three months alone.”

Police are investigating.