A horse that was left with severe neurological issues after an electrical storm is now being ridden again thanks to a therapy and rehabilitation programme by Writtle University College students.

Euthanasia had been considered for Pride after she suffered neurological damage following a fall during the storm in July 2017, as well as a tendon infection during recovery.

But a rehabilitation programme designed by third year BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation students Emily Barker, Emily Hughes, Rosemary Lawrence and Charlotte Hall has seen her condition vastly improve and she is now being ridden again.

Pride came to Writtle University College after a vet from House & Jackson, Writtle, assessed her and gave approval for her to start rehabilitation with the students, who designed the programme as part of their module on Equine Massage and Remedial Exercise.

Emily Barker, from Cornwall, explained the initial stages of the programme, which was all carried out at the University College’s dedicated equine facilities on the Cow Watering Campus: “The programme began with simple controlled exercise in walk and trot with regular episodes where we requested Pride to back up a few paces. This targeted and challenged her proprioceptive skills in order to develop and strengthen them.

“This was further enhanced with the use of a small incline encountered when moving in and out of her stable block and a variation of surfaces and surface qualities.”

After 10 weeks of working with Pride, the vet carried out her assessment and found that Pride had musculature and dynamic stability. The latter was demonstrated as Pride was very excitable on the lunge, with episodes of bucking and cantering, but there was no sign of falling over or proprioceptive regression.

Pride has now returned to her owner, who started to ride her again last month and she is progressing well.