A WOMAN recovering from major knee operations has brought home an equestrian championship just 27 weeks after being in a wheelchair.

Susan Williams from Army Cadet Force Clwyd and Gwynedd Deeside detachment, has demonstrated her equestrian talents by winning at the British Riding Club 5star National Championships.

The event was held at Lincolnshire Showground where Susan was representing Forces Equine.

Susan, and her 21-year-old horse Tara - aka Shadylady - have become national champions at medium level with a score of 69 per cent.

She said: “I’m lost for words as its not been an easy 14 months, Tara losing her mum, me injuring myself and only out of a wheelchair 27 weeks ago from several Major Knee Operations to go to the Nationals after only riding again 12 weeks and come home National Champions.

“I still can’t get on or off Tara without help but what really is special is Tara looks after me, she knows I’m injured and I lose my balance at times not being able to feel my leg, she adjusts accordingly, a very clever girl not just a partner but my best friend forever.

“I would like to say Thank you to Buckley Tyres for there Support and Sponsorship for the Nationals, it’s really nice to have the support from a local Business.

Susan added she wanted to thank all the physiotherapists and hospital staff that helped her get back in the saddle.

She added: “I went to the Nationals with only 12 weeks of riding and just one week of going back to work at Aldi in Mold. I did not think of coming home with a Rosette just the determination I could get there and ride my two tests with Tara and enjoy being out again.”