A HORSE equipment seller was left devastated after £5,000 of tack was stolen from his stall the night before a show that attracted more than 20,000 visitors.

Caldicot Saddlery boss Steve Taylor, 58, said he was "gutted " as he discovered the pricey items had been taken from the Usk Show grounds near Gwernesney on Friday night.

Stolen items included leather head collars, sheepskin saddle pads, bridles, equestrian saddle cloths and breast plates.

At least 20,000 people flocked to the Saturday show including a show jumping event.

Mr Taylor told us: "I've been coming to the show for 35 years and I've never had problems.

"I'm really angry. I work hard. Now I've got to work for an extra two to three months to get back what I had. That's the annoying part. I'm really gutted."

Usk Show organiser, Faye Mear, confirmed a theft had taken place at the show grounds on Friday night despite security being on site.

She said: “We had security overnight from Thursday to Sunday but we also advise people not to leave expensive equipment on site. We are very disappointed.”

Mr Taylor is liaising with the show organisers while Mr Mear is helping police with their enquiries.

He added: " I got broken into in the night.

"Nobody has seen anything. There was security there.

“People brought tractors, machinery and trailers to the show. We're all in the same boat."

Gwent police said they were investigating the theft and are appealing for information to trace the stolen items.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 500 111, quoting incident no. 461 of 13/09/13.