A family is appealing for help in finding their much-loved pony who was taken from his field near Reepham.

Eastern Daily Press: Laura, Steve and three-year-old Rylan White in the field at Reepham where their Shetland pony Scrumpy was taken. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYLaura, Steve and three-year-old Rylan White in the field at Reepham where their Shetland pony Scrumpy was taken. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

Scrumpy, a little grey Shetland, was Laura White's first pony when she was just three years old and has been with her ever since, teaching her to ride along with many other friends and family members.

She had just started teaching her three-year-old son Rylan to ride him.

But when Mrs White's mother and sister went to check him in the paddock on Furze Lane on Saturday, April 16 he was nowhere to be seen.

They initially reported him as missing but they now believe he has been stolen.

The family, who live in Hingham, are at a loss to know why he would be taken as Scrumpy stands just nine hands high, is 22 years old and of very little value.

'We had two other horses in the field who we moved to a yard at Dereham where they are being trained to pull a cart,' said Mrs White's husband Steve, a self-employed builder. 'So Scrumpy was on his own for a few weeks but we checked him at least every other day. He had a field shelter, hay and water and was well looked after.

'We had thought about putting him out on loan and there was lots of interest in him but in the end Laura couldn't part with him and Rylan didn't want him to go so we were going to move him closer to Hingham.'

He said they are also concerned as a farrier and a vet were due to come out on the Saturday to see him and check him for possible laminitis which he tends to suffer from at this time of year.

The theft has been reported to police and Mr White is offering a reward for Scrumpy's safe return or for information leading to a prosecution.

A police spokesman said: 'Police are investigating the theft of a pony which was taken from a paddock in Furze Lane between Thursday, April 14 and Saturday, April 16.

'The pony is male, white and has a distinctive scar just above the hoof of his left rear leg.

'Enquiries are on-going, however officers would like to hear from anyone who may have information about the missing pony.'

Anyone with information should contact PC Sue Weatherburn at Taverham Police Station on 101 or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Mr White is also happy to receive information on 07899 632603.