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The white horse in the Vale of Pewsey has gained an appendage

ONE of Wiltshire's famous white horses overlooking the Vale of Pewsey has been turned into a stallion.

The white horse at Alton Barnes has gained an appendage that has been amusing passing motorists this week.

One local motorist who rang the Gazette said: "I am not sure if it has been turned into stallion or whether it has gained a fifth leg!"

Tim Carson who farms the land said he had seen the new addition to the horse but had not made a close check to see if the damage was permanent.

"It was made into a zebra once before and for the summer solstice on June 21 they always outline it with candles," said the farmer.

Mr Carson said he had seen something white had been added to the horse that will celebrate its 200th birthday in 2012.

"I just hope there is no lasting damage," said the farmer who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the hill carving.

Parish council chairman Charles Fletcher was unaware the horse had gained an extra "limb".

Coun Fletcher said: "It has not been vandalised before in the 25 years I have been here.

"I haven't see what has been done to it but I hope it has been done in such a way it can be easily removed."

The Alton Barnes white horse that faces south over the Pewsey Vale on the side of Milk Hill was carved in 1812.

The local squire Robert Pile paid £20 to a John Thorne, also known as Jack the Painter, to carve the horse.

Thorne designed the horse but then ran off with the money - he was later hanged for other crimes - and the excavation was finally completed by John Harvey from Stanton St Bernard.

11:26am Wednesday 5th March 2008

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