‘Devastating’ loss of unique pony cart
THIS woman has been left distraught after an expensive pony exercise cart was stolen in the Cynon Valley.
Penny Rees, 58, from Ystradfellte, says the specially made cart is irreplaceable, and taking care of her ponies gives her freedom outdoors to help her with her bipolar, a mental illness which she has suffered with for some time.
The black cart was specially made to Penny’s specifications – and she had recently ridden around her village for the first time in years.
A set of blue mounting steps, which help her get on and off the cart, were also taken, according to Penny.
She said: “When I realised they were gone I felt really depressed, due to my illness.
“I’m bipolar, and it’s so important to me to be able to go out and about, and looking after the ponies is a part of that.
“They took a couple of other things which I’m not so bothered about, but I’m really upset about the cart.”
It is believed the items were taken on Wednesday, October 5, from a locked shed near Foel Road in Rhigos.
Penny’s mother Sheila Webber added: “My daughter has a depressive illness, and she has retired due to ill health.
“We’ve not got a lot of money to spend, but we saved up for this cart which allows her to get out of the house.
“We’d only had it about three months, and it was locked away in a field in the Rhigos area.
“It was specifically built for my daughter as she has back problems.
“It is a devastating loss and can’t be replaced.
“She had become a familiar sight in the neighbourhood recently and received many favourable comments from folk pleased to see a pony and cart around the village again.”
The family is urging anyone who might know where the cart is to call the police.