HARRY the wonder horse is back in the show ring thanks to the efforts of owner Jane Tansey, the vets at Leahurst and blacksmith Ian Hughes

JUST champion - that's Harry the wonder horse, who defied all the odds to compete in showjumping events again.

He galloped back into action in fine style, winning trials in Lincolnshire to qualify for the Northern Intermediate Championships in Humberside in October.

Loveable Harry, pictured with owner and rider of five years Jane Tansey, from Willaston, suffers from long-term lameness which causes severe pain in the back of his hooves. It's so bad that his last event was in October 1995.

It didn't look like nine-year-old Harry would compete again, but hope was found at Leahurst Equine Practice based at the Philip Leverhulme Large Animal Hospital at Leahurst. Using American research, blacksmith Ian Hughes fitted Harry with special four-point shoes, which gave the horse the comfort and the confidence he needed to return to action.

Owner Jane Tansey said: "I'm really pleased to be competing with Harry again and it was like he had never been away when we went to the horse trials."

Blacksmith Ian Hughes said: "There was hope for Harry but the signs weren't good because he has long-term lameness. Using the methods from America, the results were immediate and Harry has gone from strength to strength. Full credit to Jane Tansey and the vets at Leahurst for persevering."

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