A CHAMPION junior horse rider has been left in the lurch after thieves stole her horse trailer.

Six-year-old Hannah Hutchinson, from Kearsley, had just finished seventh in a major competition in Cheshire when her mother heard the heartbreaking news.

Wendy Hutchinson was told of the theft in a text message from the owner of Ringley Wood farm where the horse trailer was being kept.

Thieves had broken off a security wheel clamp to steal the horse trailer at 3pm on Sunday.

Without the £1,200 horse trailer little Hannah will not be able to take part in future competitions because she will not have anything in which to transport her ponies.

Mrs Hutchinson said: "Hannah lives for horse riding. I cannot believe that someone would come in and steal the horse trailer.

"As a surprise we were going to part exchange the trailer for a lorry horsebox but now that dream will have to wait. We had put down a £500 deposit for the horsebox but now we've lost that as well.

"When I was told about the horse trailer I was gutted. Hannah had done so well against some talented riders.

"I just could not tell her. I had to break the news to her the next day. She is in a state of shock."

Hannah began riding when she was just two-years-old and quickly showed talent. Six months ago she started to compete -- and won every event she entered.

Her sights were set on the Horse of the Year show in Birmingham.

Mrs Hutchinson said she will pay a reward for the safe return of the brown wooden-panelled trailer which had been re-welded on the front.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.