Injured rider fights back

A Kidderminster horse rider who was almost killed in an accident nearly ten years ago is celebrating after winning a place on an elite training course run by a former Olympic star.

Shirley Boraston, aged 41, from Cookley, is one of just 12 people selected for the course run by Clayton Fredericks, Emile Faurie and Olympic silver medallist Graham Fletcher.

It is a breakthrough for the mortgage administrator who thought she may never ride again following a serious accident in 1998. She was thrown off her horse while out riding.

Shirley shattered 27 bones in her left arm, left ankle and left hip. She had three operations and was off work for 12 months.

But against all the odds she started riding again in 1999 and began training for equestrian events and last year successfully applied to the Event Horse Owner's Association to take part in their training awards.

On Monday, Shirley will travel to Gloucestershire where the two-day course is being held.

Shirley hopes the expert tuition will help her go one better with her horse Artic Dawn and win her first British Eventing title.

Shirley said: "I had to sell my horses when I had my accident and thought I would never ride again. But I was determined to get back in the saddle."