The video will start in 8 Cancel

Want more news from across Surrey? Sign up to our daily newsletter! Sign up for free Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A horse that was stabbed with an electric fence by thieves who broke into a riding school for the disabled has died.

Sam was one of three horses left injured and traumatised after thieves broke into the Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association on August 14.

The horse was on livery with the riding school and had previously took part in eight Olympic qualifiers.

A spokesman for the association confirmed on Wednesday (September 19) that he had been put to sleep as a result of his injuries.

"Epsom Riding for the Disabled is reporting with broken hearts that Sam, one of the horses injured in the vicious attack on August 14, was put to sleep on Wednesday (September 12)," the spokesman said.

"This was a direct consequence of the injuries incurred to his point of shoulder and bursa tendon, and the infection and septicaemia which followed."

Two ponies called Marigold and Buffy were also injured when burglars gained access to the premises through a fencing panel.

(Image: Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association)

The spokesman added: "Sam was an amazing horse and took part in eight Olympic qualifiers for the Hong Kong team.

"He was special and was known by many people in the RDA and equestrian world. He will be missed."

A spokesman for the association said the three horses were stabbed with an electric fence post during the break-in.

In a recent post on Facebook , it said the two other horses were still recovering from their injuries.

(Image: Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association)

'Mindless act of cruelty'

The association previously said it was touched by the support shown by the local community following the "mindless act of cruelty".

"The overwhelming support and generosity from our local and the wider community has been amazing," the spokesman said.

"The local church, equestrian suppliers, riding schools, local residents, businesses and the local media have all offered to raise funds for Epsom RDA.

"We have local residents coming into the yard with carrots and treats for the ponies, chocolate for our volunteers and donations of money.

"The kindness people have shown to Epsom RDA is helping our volunteers and riders to overcome the anger and frustration we feel regarding this mindless act of cruelty to our beloved ponies."

Investigation ongoing

A Surrey Police spokesman confirmed on Wednesday (September 19) that the investigation into the burglary was still ongoing.

"We are continuing to investigate after thieves broke into a riding school in Epsom on Tuesday (August 14)," he said.

"Three horses were injured during the burglary, which took place at the Epsom Riding School for the Disabled in Hook Road.

"It is believed that thieves gained access to the premises through a fencing panel.

"A storage shed was also broken into but nothing appears to have been stolen. Enquiries remain ongoing."

You can donate to the Epsom Riding School for the Disabled here .

If you witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the offence, please contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting PR/45180087498 or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Click here for all the latest news from Surrey.