BACK IN THE SADDLE

Stretching to hang up my horse Andrew’s saddle, I winced in pain.

‘Is everything OK?’ my mum Deborah asked

‘It’s my back,’ I said, rubbing it.

‘I think I put it out playing hockey.’ I hoped it would feel better after a good night’s sleep and a bit of rest.

I was a competitive show jumper, and I needed to be on top form.

But the next day when I woke up, I couldn’t move.

‘Mum!’ I cried out, terrified.

I could barely even sit up.

My back had completely