Jimmy proves his Star quality after remarkable comeback

Star Attraction (Jimmy) is owned by David Barraclough and his mother Elaine of Sutton-on-Derwent, near York.

When David found the horse lying down in the field with a deep cut on the inside of his foreleg, across the back of the joint of his knee, the injury looked very serious. But there were no signs in the field as to how he could have done this damage and the cause remains a mystery.

Jimmy was taken to the Minster Veterinary Clinic at York where he underwent an operation.

"It was a very worrying time," said Elaine. "Jimmy is a very special home-bred horse and has lots of character.

"Then the news came that the operation had gone well and that the ligament was almost completely severed. So the next weeks were crucial."

After six weeks of stable rest they began walking him every day, then David gradually began to ride him and start schooling. He tried jumping him and he was still sound so he decided to enter Jimmy for some horse trials at Eland Lodge in Derbyshire last month.

They set off with much trepidation but no problems as far as the horse was concerned. David and Jimmy were in the lead after the dressage section with the best score in all the novice sections and then went clear in the cross country with just 2.8 time faults. This put them into second place and meant they qualified for the national regional finals.

"It was a brilliant day. All the hard work and patience paid off," said Elaine.

This weekend Jimmy and David will be competing in their next horse trials at Richmond Equestrian Centre.

SHOPPING is high on most peoples' itinerary when they visit Bramham International Horse Trials and this year, in-between the equine action, there should be plenty to tempt everybody.

Everything from high fashion to country clothing will be on offer, plus all that is needed to kit out your horse.

Crafts, gourmet foods and garden furniture can all be found at Bramham's shopping village where there will be 120 stands. They will be open every day during competition times over the four days ( June 3 to 6) and there will also be late night shopping on the Friday, when entry is free after 4pm.

Don't forget to take your camera along. The organisers are looking for a picture that captures the spirit of the event to feature on the cover of next year's event programme. If yours is chosen you will win free members' passes for next year. There is a free parking offer for those who book in advance and also discounts on season passes and members' badges booked in advance.

For details go to www.bramham-horse.co.uk