A DISTRAUGHT rider is appealing for the safe return of her horse which went missing from a field near Sturminster Newton, Mandy Joyce, 51, of Belchalwell, said her 15 hand Piebald mare Dotty disappeared without trace from Woolland Hill.

She said: "She'd been in the field for weeks and I just went there to check on her and she'd gone.

"I thought she'd got out but all the gates were closed. I frantically ran round looking and looking for her."

Mandy, a manager for the Dorset Woodland Project, had kept the 10-year-old animal for five years. She reported her missing to police on Wednesday July 30.

She added: "I just want her back. I'm nearly going out of my mind. I work hard to keep my horses. They are like a part of my family. Some things in life money can't buy - and she is one of them."

Mandy has retained the horse's passport - without it, it cannot be sold legally.

She warned: "If someone goes to ride Dotty she is not very keen on heavy traffic and if she gets herself in a panic she does rear and it can be quite dangerous."

She added: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been so helpful and supportive, during this very stressful and emotional time, as I really can't describe how distressing it all is."

PC Julie Hankin of Sturminster Newton police station said: "Anyone who has witnessed anything suspicious, no matter if they think it's insignificant, should contact us straight away."

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 01202 222222.