WITH VIDEO: A pony gifted to a Sussex woman from an Arab Sheikh has been stolen from her home - and her owner believes she was “taken to order".

Amira the eight-year-old miniature pony, who only arrived in Sussex a few months ago, was taken from Stane Street, Adversane, near Billingshurst, earlier this month.

Devastated owner Kim Pody, 33, told The Argus she was lost without 32inch Amira, who is a Falabella breed.

Kim is friends with the groomsman for the unnamed Sheikh, who she said collected mini ponies and gifted them out.

Kim, whose family breeds and show Arabian horses, was offered one which needed a lot of care.

She said since then Amira has come on leaps and bounds and loves nothing more than playing in her field with her other mini friends.

But she is extra special as, rather unusually, she is black and white. Kim thinks this is what attracted the thief or thieves.

She said: “She was born in Holland and given to a Sheikh Mohammed for the daughters in the family.

“She was flown to the Middle East, to Fujairah Royal Stables in Dubai. But we received her a few months ago.

“Since then she and my other seven little mares have become best friends.

“I think they must have used a transit van to take her. It's awful, we really miss her.”

Sussex Police confirmed Amira's disappearance had been reported to the force.

A statement said: “A miniature pony has been stolen from a property in Adversane between 6pm on April 15 and midday on April 16.

“She is micro-chipped (shoulder/neck) and has distinctive markings: black head and black body.

“If sighted, please contact 101 and quote CAD 651 of 16/04/14.”