How I fought back after horror crash
Love of horses helps Jayne recover from life changing injuries
on to items from a limb whose nerves had all but gone.
Although determined to realise her full potential, much of Jayne’s emotional focus was on her horse, Delilah – a challenging mare, a “hardto-please” diva who knew her own mind.
“With Delilah, safety was a huge priority. She was not safe for me. I could not ride her without panicking,” explained Jayne.
“She would go into reverse, drop her shoulders, slam on the brakes. In hospital, I was really worried I would not ride again.”
Now in the Craig Court neuro-rehab unit for brain and spinal injury in Milltimber, Aberdeen, Jayne took the difficult decision of returning Delilah to her previous owner.
That’s when she was introduced to Aberdeen Riding Club and lifechanging hippotherapy – a form of physiotherapy on horseback which uses the movement, warmth and rhythm of the horse to rehabilitate people with physical disabilities.
There, ramps are used to ease riders safely on to the saddle, and reins and stirrups are specially adapted for their needs.
“Getting back on is a huge thing. Hippotherapy was a life-saver for me,” said Jayne.
Seven months after her accident, Jayne – who was determined to regain her mobility and return to a normal routine – began to ease herself back into work at Donview Veterinary Centre in Inverurie. She was soon back at work, part-time.
“They have been really very good at work,” she continued. “Yes, it does affect my job. Cats and dogs can be feisty. I cannot do injections. There’s stuff I am not comfortable doing, because you need two hands, and mental processes are a wee but slower. I’ve had to stop being in theatre, which is sad, as I have worked for so long to become a veterinary nurse.
“You feel a bit helpless. It’s the little things that really get me down, like getting dressed and eating. You cannot carry trays. Sitting next to people, I always hold my left hand with my right hand, and I’m always aware of where my left leg and foot are. But I know there are people a lot worse off than myself.
“I can now hold on to things to a point. If I do not look at my hand, I just let go. Walking takes a bit of thinking about where you are and what you are doing, like being in crowded places and getting in and out of cars.
“The thing is, it’s not visible. When I attend a medical appointment, people assume I’m there because I’m waiting for a patient, because I look okay on the outside.”
The gaping void that was left in Jayne’s life by the absence of horses was fully filled with the introduction to the Garioch Carriage Driving Group for people with disabilities, which led to a visit to Stathorn Farm Stables.
“It was lovely to be in amongst horses again in a safe environment,” explained Jayne, of Insch, Aberdeenshire.
“There is no pressure. You can go in and pat the horses and play with buckles and stirrups, which is good for fine motor skills. These horses are so good – and so tolerant.”
Before long, Garioch Carriage Driving Group’s Ruth Skinner was suggesting that Jayne enter the competition circuit, which includes dressage, and negotiating cones and obstacles.
Following a spurt of fundraising, Jayne went on to compete in the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury, Gloucester. She was smitten.
That instilled in Jayne a burning ambition to compete in future events – but next time, with her own pony. That’s when her family rallied round to help her purchase Gypsy Cob, Scrumpy Jack, along with his carriage and favourite harness.
“He is such a people horse. Just
lovely,” she enthused. “I knew he could do the job. He is just excellent.”
Jayne was bursting with pride when, in 2019, she and trusted Jack – who’s now aged 12 – competed in the National Championships in the RDA’s 50th anniversary year, watched by the Princess Royal. In all his elegance, Scrumpy Jack even starred in BBC TV’s coverage of the milestone event.
It was while training on a privatelyowned yard in Biggar, South Lanarkshire, that Jayne and Jack’s prowess and exceptional, intuitive partnership caught the eye of coaches and selectors from Team GB.
Jayne, now aged 37, is now receiving coaching via Zoom from Gloucestershire- based GB trainer, Robert Buck – and both are confident she will qualify for Team GB to compete in the Para World Championships in the Netherlands in August.
“You can’t do all this without your team,” stressed Jayne, who has by her side Fiona Smith, who rides on the back of the carriage for safety reasons, and Jacqueline Scouler, who helps Jayne and Jack polish their performance through her video skills.
Also on hand are Diana Milligan, RDA carriage driving rep for Grampian and the Highlands, and Anne Bell, who provides invaluable admin and fundraising expertise in Jayne’s quest to raise £25,000 to enable her to reach the Para World Championships.
“Typing and writing one-handed is difficult for me,” said Jayne. “The generosity and kindness of people has been overwhelming.”
To help Jayne and Jack realise their World Championship dream, donate by visiting: www. gofundme. com/ f/ jayne-and-jacks-world-championshipdream