A INVESTIGATION has been launched after two horses were stolen and an attempt to steal a third was made nearby

Barney and Toby, a pair of traditional cobs, were reported missing on November 19 from their field in Swanmore.

Police say an attempted theft of a horse also took place at Meonstoke a few days later and the force is linking the incidents.

Kathryn Golightly, who looks after Barney and Toby, said: “Both horses are very much loved and missed wholeheartedly by myself and the owners and our families.

“I’ve looked after them for over two years so I miss them like they were my own.

“Someone somewhere must know where these beautiful babies are. We just need to know they are safe.”

The horses are owned by Natalie Inkpin and are kept in Kathryn’s yard along with her other eight horses and a donkey.

Barney stands 15’2 hands high and has with irregular black and white patches

He also suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which means he is on a strict diet to keep him well.

Toby is 14 hands high, and is black with white socks and a white blaze.

He is unbroken and is easily spooked, say his owners.

The geldings are both microchipped.

Their paddock is surrounded by other horses which leads the families to believe they were specifically targeted.

The family is calling on the public to come forward with information regarding the two missing animals, which they say will be treated in the “strictest confidence”.

Hampshire police say an attempted horse theft took place in Hill Rise, Meonstoke, between 5.30pm on November 21 and 7am on November 22.

The owner reported that someone had broken into the paddock overnight, causing damage to electric fencing.

Police said: “When the owner returned at 7am the following morning, the horse was wearing a head collar that had been placed on it since she had last seen the animal. The collar had been stored within a shelter in the field.

“The owner believes the suspect(s) had damaged the fence with the intention of leading her horse away but were distracted and made off empty handed.”

“If you have any information about this crime, please ring 101, quoting reference 44180434698.”

Hampshire police advise landowners to ensure their livestock are identifiable and horses microchipped.