31in-tall horse with a reindeer for a Star stable companion

Now four, she is lucky to be alive today after a freak accident in which her leg was broken following a kick from an Arab mare that was being schooled by Chris.

He said: "It was lucky I was there when it happened, otherwise she could be dead. Little Ellie is now making a good recovery, thanks to expert treatment from Arundel Equine Hospital, where they spent almost three hours on X-rays, before putting in a plate and seven pins. She had to have her leg in plaster for four weeks and was on stable rest.

"But her constant companion has been one of my two reindeer, Star, who jumps into her box and lies down with her. Now I am struggling to find somewhere for Ellie to swim, so that she can make a total recovery."

For full story see West Sussex Gazette May 9