A HORSE was shot in the face last week in what police believe was a poaching related incident near Marlborough, Wiltshire.

The owner of the highly trained dressage horse is continuing to care for the prize winning mare after discovering it had been shot in the face last week.

Wiltshire police are appealing for information after 11-year-old Dorothy was discovered with the injury, just below her left eye, last Wednesday, October 8.

The horse had been in fields near Great Bedwyn and Chisbury Woods, Marlborough, between midday and 6:30pm, when her owner discovered the wound believed to have been caused by a rifle.

PC Jeff Rice said: "The bullet actually entered Dorothy's skull and it was very fortunate that she wasn’t killed.

"At this stage we don’t believe this was a targeted attack but possibly a poaching related incident with the horse having been caught by a stray shot.

"The owner is understandably concerned for the safety of both his animals and staff who work in and around the area and we’d like to hear from anyone who knows anything about the incident."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Rice on 101.

Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if they wish.