A YOUNG horse from Droitwich has received life-saving surgery after developing a serious spinal condition.

Fern, a seven-year-old mare, began to show signs of illness in January last year and specialist animal practitioners were rushed in to diagnose the problem.

Jenna Churchill, a practitioner at McTimoney Animal Association, had treated Fern before and after checking her over quickly referred her to a vet.

She said: "I suspected something more sinister was going on so referred her to the vet. The vet later diagnosed Fern with kissing spine and she underwent surgery."

Owner Eve Wood, who works as yard manager at Radnall Farm and Stables, said: "She kept on dropping her hind leg when ridden, so we called Jenna.

"All four of my horses accept Jenna's treatment happily and trust her, but this time there was something really wrong with Fern."

Practitioners are trained to realign the musculoskeletal system using their hands.

Thanks to the quick diagnoses, Fern has now made a full recovery and is being ridden again.

Ms Wood said: "I trust Jenna implicitly with my horses and find her extremely professional. The horses work very hard in the winter, often working for six hours once or even twice a week if they are out hunting. Jenna's visits are vital to keep all four supple and sound and able cope with their work load."

For more information about McTimoney Animal Association visit mctimoney-animal.org.uk