Schoolgirls 'steal and ride ponies for five miles' before hiding them in shed

Two girls allegedly stole ponies before riding around on them for miles and leaving them in a shed in Falkirk.

Owners at Hayfield Riding School in Bonnybridge issued a public appeal on social media after two ponies were taken from the field at around 8.30pm on Friday.

The girls – believed to be in school – were pictured on the horses by residents on social media before dash cam footage showed the pair on the road with the ponies not using saddles.

According to owners, the ponies were then left in a disused shed in Hallglen, around five miles from where they were taken.

According to the owners, the ponies were left in a disused shed in Hallglen. Supplied

The ponies were found following a public appeal shared by the riding school on Saturday afternoon after a search was launched.

A spokesperson for the riding school said: “Thanks to the public I managed to trace my ponies to an old tin shed in Hallglen.

“They were held off the road down a track in an old field with sheds that were falling to bits.

“The kids put them in there in a small confined space, no water, no bedding and nothing to eat at around 11pm that night.

“Thank goodness I found them around 1.30pm on Saturday after a huge search of Falkirk and surrounding areas.

“The public and all my clients, helpers all really helped me find my poor ponies, who are safe but very sore and lame.”

Police Scotland was called and said officers would speak to those involved on Tuesday.

A spokesperson told STV News: “Although this matter has been brought to the attention of police, it has been agreed that police will speak to those concerned on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 to determine the exact circumstances.”