A Southampton woman is set to represent Team GB after a horse-riding accident that nearly paralysed her six years ago.

Jo Dunn, 37, an amateur horse rider from Bassett, will represent Great Britain at the MCI European Championships in Paris next month in the only European dressage championship specifically for Iberian horses.

It would be a miraculous achievement in itself – but it’s arguably even greater given the fact Jo had to learn how to walk again after a horse-riding accident that nearly paralysed her in February 2017.

She told the Echo: “I was having a lesson with my horse Maggie - we performed a particular jump over a table, and she got her leg caught – causing me to rotate on top of the horse in the air.

“When I fell to the ground, Maggie landed on top of me, knocking me unconscious.”

Fearing she was paralysed, Jo was treated by air ambulance crews before being taken to Southampton General Hospital.

Lucky to escape with a dislocated elbow and two burst discs in her back, Jo was able to walk again and soon be back in the saddle – having had a passion for horse riding since her first lessons as a seven-year-old girl.

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Daily Echo:

She said: “I still have nerve damage in my back and my memory isn’t as good as it used to be!

“I can’t remember the accident itself or the days after it, but I’ve always loved horses and the accident didn’t put me off riding again.

"I'll always be grateful to the air ambulance service for looking after me."

Over four years after the accident – in August 2021 – Jo downsized from her house to a new flat in Hedge End – helping towards the £15,000 fee for her new horse, Lenny – now six-years-old – that was shipped all the way from Spain.

With the help of her trainer, Shirley Foley, Jo and Lenny qualified for the MCI European Championships, taking place in Paris from October 25 to October 29, as 34 professional and amateur riders from Great Britain compete in the dressage competition.

Jo added: “Given everything I’ve been through I’m kind of just happy to be there.

“I attribute everything to luck… I think the stars have aligned.

“Though I must thank my trainer for all her hard work – and to be honest, I have been down the stables seven days a week!”