AT the age of 22, Jane Croarkin was told her career as a professional competition trainer was over.

A crashing fall while eventing resulted in three spinal operations and her surgeon advised her not to ride again.

But she was determined not to give up and devised a system of training the competition horses in her care to maximise their mental and physical capabilities.

She hoped that the more athletic and attentive the horses, the less chance of having any more accidents with them.

Over the last 23 years, her Focus Training System has been used by many other professional riders at home and abroad. It has seen her working as the first British producer of horses for the German Westphalian auction house, as well as with Jennie Loriston-Clarke, Michael Whitaker and other Olympic riders.

She is currently touring the north of England and Scotland and is speaking at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold on Thursday at 8pm. Tickets cost £10 and include a free raffle.

To book call 01423 360292 or send a cheque and sae made payable to Jane Croarkin, Swan Cottage, Myton on Swale YO61 2QY.