GUEST speakers at the July meeting of Mid Devon Farming Life Group were Edward and Marie Chanin.

They spoke about Edward’s career as a Para Equestrian Dressage Rider and also about the impact of his injury.

Growing up on his family farm, he has a passion for horses, having had his first horse Taffy at the age of two.

Edward became an accomplished rider in the following years.

In December 2001 his career was brought to an abrupt end.

Ed said: ““I suffered a near fatal fall when jump schooling at the trainer’s yard, I had a serious head injury and was unconscious with a broken back. I was resuscitated twice and placed on life support for several weeks.

“Six months later, after being in five different hospitals, I was given the green light to go home. I was paralysed down my right-hand side. I then spent the best part of two years having physiotherapy to help me walk and talk again, fighting hard all the way to get my life back.”

Edward was determined to ride again and with the help of family and friends and sessions at a riding therapy school, he was back in the saddle, riding one handed and with the use of one leg with adjusted tack.

He has accomplished and won several competitions.

He continued competing at National and International levels, representing Great Britain as an individual and then Great Britain at the London Paralympics.

His talk was an inspiration to us all.

A collection was taken for the Injured Jockey Fund.

The meeting in August will be a barbecue on Wednesday, August 27 from 7pm at The Granary, Yeoford, EX17 5HB, courtesy of Paul and Jacqueline Coren.

Entertainment will be provided by Bill Murray, including the Devonshire Dialect!

New members are welcome to join the group, contact Ruth Friend on 01363 82326 or Sarah Chown on 01363 84255.

Ruth Friend