Police probe pagan link to horse weaving
The strange practice has broken out in fields in Devon and parts of Dorset and Somerset.
Nearly 20 animals have been singled out for the bizarre treatment over the past three months in Hemyock, Culmstock and Clayhidon, the Culm Valley and Exeter.
Officers initially believed the horses were being marked for theft by organised criminals – until they realised none of them disappeared.
Now they think white witches who practise "knot magick" are using the horses to help them cast spells.
Pagan gods are thought to have a close connection with horses which adds strength to spells that incorporate the animals.
PC Jeff Howley, neighbourhood beat manager for Cullompton, said: "At the moment we do not know of any motive for the plaiting to start with we thought they were being marked for theft but that is clearly not the case.
"One motive from research by Dorset police who are also investigating a number of cases is that it may be a pagan ritual.
"It is hard for us to judge at the moment but any speculation will have to be considered."
Although the braiding does no harm to the affected horses, owners are becoming increasingly bemused and concerned.
Jenny Parsons, secretary to the Taunton Vale Harriers Hunt, who has set up a horse watch scheme, believes a small group of people are targeting the same animals after communicating through social networking websites.
She said: "It is possible it's a pagan ritual and I have had reports of a change in horse behaviour so if these are children's ponies it is an absolutely awful thing to do."
Mrs Parsons urged horse owners to send pictures of the plaits to local police and to remain vigilant.
She added: "Until we know anything different this is worth taking very seriously. They seem to be targeting some individuals more than others, but why?"
It was originally thought the plaits might be being used to mark horses by rustlers so they could be collected at night by gangs armed with fence-cutting equipment and a horsebox.
Janet Portbury of Hilltop Riding School with horse Chester, who was targeted
