HORSES in the Forest and the Wye Valley are being targeted by thieves who are plaiting manes to mark out animals for stealing.

Reports starting coming in from a stud in Wales just before Christmas after the mane of a mare in Abergavenny was plaited.

"Earlier that evening we saw a large white transit van turn in the lane at five in the evening and then just sat looking into the fields before driving off. It seems like the thieves are on the doorstep," warned Emma Baker in an email to horseowners.

Adrian Swanson from the St Briavels area in the Wye Valley said his ginger cob "Ginger" also had a plait put in his mane.

"It seems he has been marked out by these thieves as well. A large white transit was also seen by the field yesterday evening."

Speaking to the Review, Mr Swanson said an attempt to steal a plaited horse in Yorkley was foiled when the owners returned, although wires had been cut in their fields to take out the horse.

Plaits are put in the mane to identify target horses, usually the day or night before attempts are made to take the animals. Mr Swanson said the would-be thieves seem to be targeting 14/15 hand cobs or coloured cobs, a known favourite of gypsies.

Recent reports of plaiting in the Forest have soared in recent weeks and horse owners are all being warned to stay alert.

Mel Campbell, Horsewatch coordinator for Gloucestershire Police advises owners to micro-chip or freeze mark their horses, padlock gates, put up Horsewatch signs, bring horses in at night or move them to fields further from the road.