Carolyn Gard said she and her family had been left heartbroken by the theft of two trophy saddles and more than 80 belt buckles, which had been won by her children at rodeos and horsing events across the country.

Also taken were antique diamond rings and other jewellery, handed down by her own mother, as well as a crossbow, two flat screen televisions, a gun safe containing ammunition, and an air compressor.  

The mother of three said she had been filled with dread after being informed the container had been broken into.

“On the way there I was thinking that what we had at the front of that container was all of the kids’ stuff they'd won,” Ms Gard said.

“They've been riding since they were five – it's heartbreaking to know those things were right at the front.”

It's been a tough month for the Gard family, after son Ben broke his femur at the Australian Professional Rodeo Association national finals less than two weeks ago.

Ms Gard's youngest, Ellie, suffered a brain injury in a riding accident recently, making the theft even more galling.

She is hoping whoever took the treasured items will have the courage to return them.

“Our youngest daughter Ellie had a bad riding accident and has a brain injury, so these things are just priceless,” Ms Gard said.

“She is absolutely devastated, it is so hard to explain why these things happen.

“You can’t replace those items – they have monetary value but we will never get the sentimental value of those things back.

“If anyone knows anything but they don’t want anyone involved, we can pick it up – we just want it back.” 

Ms Gard said she wasn’t completely sure of the full extent of the theft, with their access to the container limited due to a police investigation.

Anyone with information should contact Albury Police or Crimestoppers.