Wiltshire horse still competing with help of physiotherapist

Cracker has been under the care of his owner, Kate Raynor, 50, from Chippenham, for eight years.

The duo compete at novice level in eventing and in show jumping up to 1.15m.

Ms Raynor said Cracker is "quite hot-headed and when you teach him something he thinks that he knows best".

Kate Raynor and Cracker (Image: Animal News Agency) "He likes routine and once he has learned something he is perfect at it," she continued.

"He is the total stereotype of a fiery redhead but really wants to please you and physio really has helped to keep him on track.

"He's got a very big heart for a little horse."

To ensure Cracker remains focused and does not overexert himself, Ms Raynor has made regular physiotherapy sessions a key part of his routine.

She said: "He is very keen to please and works beyond his maximum, so physiotherapy has been really important for Cracker to make sure that he stays happy and healthy.

"He is very short in his back so he is strong, but he isn't that flexible. So a lot of work has been done to help him stay flexible in his back and neck, and get rid of muscle tension."

Kate Raynor and Cracker (Image: Animal News Agency) Ms Raynor, who won the Badminton Grassroots 100 last year, originally took Cracker on in 2016 as a project to train and sell, but quickly became attached to him and decided to keep him.

Since then, she has formed a team of professionals, including veterinary physiotherapist Wendy Vaughan, to ensure Cracker remains at his best.

Ms Vaughan, who runs the Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy, said: "Being able to be part of the wider team, supporting a combination such as Kate and Cracker, seeing their progress and success, is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job."

Ms Raynor added: "Wendy's enthusiasm is unmatched, and I'm so pleased that she is running a school to train others as that is such a good thing for animals and the industry in general.

"As a rider and coach, I think it is so important to keep my horses feeling their best, and physiotherapy is such an important part of that.

"Cracker wouldn't be living as comfortably as he is without Wendy's care. We have a great team of veterinary, physio, and training and we all work really well together."