Llanrwst horsewoman back in the saddle after serious fall

Jun 17 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

AN accomplished horsewoman from Llanrwst has enjoyed a number of successes with her Welsh Cob ponies despite suffering a badly damaged arm and hand from a serious fall.

Bethan Jones, 35, who rides and shows two Welsh Cobs, never thought she would ride again after a serious fall last year damaged her right hand and arm beyond repair.

But with the help of her local hospital and an artificial joint she’s back in the saddle and riding to success.

“Last August I had a very serious fall off a pony in which my right elbow was damaged beyond repair,” explained Bethan, from Maenan Road, Llanrwst.

“I was been given an artificial joint but was warned by the consultant at Ysbyty Gwynedd that there was a strong chance I would never recover the full use of my right hand and arm.

“I was in hospital for nine days and came home unable to use my hand. I couldn’t even hold a cup or write.”

But Bethan says that thanks to her fabulous physio at Llandudno hospital, who worked tirelessly on her recovery, she has started riding again.

She added: “Thanks to my consultant Raj I have been able to start riding and now I’m back competing at national level.

“My first ride was very scary as I had no strength in the arm and hand, but today it is stronger.

“It will always be weak and my right arm is permanently bent and will never be straight again.

“Since my fall I have competed two Welsh Sec D Cobs this year, both are unbeaten and I am very proud that my younger Sec D Idris won his Welsh Pony and Cob Society Performance medal at his latest show. These medals are highly coveted as you not only have to win your class but take the overall section championship as well.

“He next competes at a show in Cheshire on Saturday and then we move to the Three Counties show at Malvern, Worcestershire.

“I will also be competing at the Cheshire County Show, Royal Welsh and Scottish Horse Show at Kelso.

“It just goes to show that it isn't all bad news when you have a serious injury. You can still achieve your dreams, you may just have to go through a bit of pain to get there,” added Bethan.

“My success with the horses this year is down to how hard the physio department at Llandudno hospital has worked on my arm and hand over the winter and I thank them for that.”