A farrier who shoed a polo pony in Shinfield, Berkshire has been convicted of carrying out unlawful farriery.

Magistrates sitting at Reading in early August convicted Chilean national Antonio Saavadra in his absence as he failed to appear at the court.

Saavadra was seen by a Farriers Registration Council investigator carrying out the work at Mucho Polo Ponies Ltd in early February. He was convicted of the offence and was ordered to pay a £200 fine, costs of £2,660.43 and a £15 victim surcharge.

The Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 states it is illegal for anyone other than a registered farrier, approved apprentice or veterinary surgeon to shoe a horse or carry out farriery