A competition horse called Spirit has lived up to his name by recovering from an injury that threatened to end his eventing career.
Spirit has been nursed back to health with the help of Hythe-based Seadown Veterinary Services after coming in from his field with his right hind leg slightly swollen.
Following a scan and an X-ray, Spirit was prescribed rest but failed to improve.
Seadown vet Laura Trigg said: "Ultrasound scans revealed synovitis of the right hind fetlock joint and a small bone fragment was seen on radiography.
"Sometimes, bone fragments in this location don't cause lameness so its clinical relevance was uncertain at this stage. The inflammation of the joint was more concerning."
Laura added: "After a few weeks of conservative management Spirit remained lame on his right hind, especially when the joint was flexed.
"The swelling of the joint had not improved so it was decided that for the best athletic outcome the horse should undergo arthroscopy.
"Tragically, the fetlock joint was found to be badly damaged and it was going to be touch and go as to whether Spirit would ever return to soundness."
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Spirit's owner, Shona Simpson, added: "I received a call saying the news wasn't good - a fragment of bone had been found which had torn up the cartilage and roughed off the fetlock joint."
Shona feared that Spirit's competition career could be over and even doubted whether he could ever be ridden again.
"I was completely devastated. Spirit was certainly not a horse that could be kept as a field companion or at best a hacking horse. He was always happier doing something."
Shona discussed the problem with Laura and agreed that Spirit should undergo steam cell treatment.
"It was expensive, wasn't guaranteed to work, and had a long, slow rehabilitation period, so a lot of patience and work was required. I was willing to try as the alternative was unthinkable."
Over the course of many months Spirit gradually returned to health, with the final scan showing a normal joint.
Shona added: "Spirit is doing amazingly well and is aiming for his first eventing competition at the end of the season.
"I'm so grateful to Laura for her support, encouragement, professionalism, and help in making informed choices."