PAIGE SHEDDING POUNDS AFTER BEING TOLD SHE’S ‘TOO FAT TO RIDE’

THEIR bond is like no other, so when Paige Matthews was told she was too fat to ride her beloved pony she knew something had to be done.

Eating food cooked in oils, as well as scoffing cheese and chocolate and drinking Malibu and cokes, her weight went up to 12-and-a-half stone.

At 5ft 4 inches she was overweight and Dream, her pony, was getting the brunt.

Dream was suffering with back problems and the vet had to be called in.

However, when Paige was told the truth by the animal medic, it really hit home.

Now the 21-year-old has set herself the task of losing three stones so Dream can be ridden in years to come.

She has already lost nearly two stones after joining Slimming World.

Paige, of Stanley, County Durham, said: “It was in the summer last year I was told by the vet Dream needed a smaller rider or retire.

“I was basically too fat to ride my pony.

“The vet said because she was carrying my extra weight, and the fact she is 24, it was probably contributing to her bad back.

Dream was given steroid injections and lots of love from Paige but it was a lighter rider she needed most.

“I got Dream when I was 10 years old, we have such a special bond. She’s my best friend and we do everything together,” she added.

“We have an unbelievable bond,