THE distressed owner of an award-winning show pony that had half its tail hacked off believes she is the victim of sabotage.

Karen Jackson, of Runcorn, went to muck out her pony, Fern, at Mersey View Farm in Frodsham when a friend noticed something wrong.

She said: 'When I looked closer I could see half of her tail had been hacked off. I just couldn't believe it, I was so upset. I just can't understand why anyone would do it.

'From the way it has been cut it looks like it was deliberately cut with scissors.'

Although the attack would not have caused the pony any harm, it could affect Fern's performance at shows as judges often take appearance into account.

Karen suspects someone has tried to sabotage her show pony because the tyres on her trailer have frequently been slashed before key show dates.

She added: 'I'm not sure if they are linked to this incident, but whoever was targeting the trailer gave up because it wouldn't stop me attending shows.

'Someone's vindictive nature will not stop me entering Fern into competitions.'

Seven-year-old Fern, show name Penycoed Charm, was recently crowned Northern Counties Pony Association Pony of the Year and won three shows in three weeks at Warrington, Reaseheath and Weaver in the Working Hunter Division.

Karen said: 'I have only been in the equestrian arena for five years with Fern, before then I couldn't afford to own a horse and it takes a lot of my income now. I only work at a bakery.'

Inspector Phil Hodgson said: 'We are looking into the incident. As hair can grow back it is unlikely to be a criminal damage case, but maybe a public order offence due to the upset it has caused.'