Police believe that horse mane weaving incidents 'are caused by Pagans'

Pagan worshippers are suspected of weaving horses’ manes to cast spells on the animals after police investigated a series of bizarre incidents.

The practice, believed to have spread via the internet, has seen almost 20 animals targeted over the past three months.

Residents have since started a horse watch scheme after incidents were reported in fields in Hemyock, Culmstock and Clayhidon, Devon, Exeter as well as parts of Dorset and Somerset.



While the braiding appears to not do any harm to the animals, horse owners were said to have become increasingly bemused and concerned by the practice.

Police initially believed the horses were being marked for theft by organised criminals until it was discovered that none had actually been stolen or disappeared.

Officers now suspect white “witches” who practice “knot magick” are using the horses to help them cast spells. It is thought that Pagan gods have a close connection with horses, which adds strength to spells that incorporate the animals.