AN accomplished horsewoman, whose eventing career ended after she broke her back in an accident, tackles a sponsored run later this month to help other injured riders.

Mrs Sharon Watts, nee Lemon, of Catterick Garrison, competed at international level, winning Bramham horse trials in 1990. But an accident in which a horse box ramp fell on her back last summer brought her competition days to an abrupt end.

Now Mrs Watts, aged 35, her husband Bill and a handful of close family members are to take part in a three-mile run at Catterick Garrison on August 25 in aid of the Mark Davies injured riders' fund. They hope to raise £1,000.

"Mark Davies was an eventer who was killed at Burghley horse trials about eight years ago and his mother set up a charity to help injured riders," said Mrs Watts, who is a director of Richmond equestrian centre and continues to teach riding.

"The charity helps all riders, not just those who compete, and I was so lucky to recover so well from my injuries that I wanted to give something back.

"I have had two major operations and they put a lot of metalwork in my back. I was in hospital for five months, but have regained 80pc of function in my back."

Although her capacity to ride is limited, Mrs Watts has managed to train for the run using a treadmill at the Scotch Corner hotel gym. "I have problems if I run on rough ground, so the treadmill was the best way to train," she said.

"We hope we will be able to use the garrison athletic track for the run itself."

The team has already been pledged £800 in sponsorship, but hopes to raise a further £200 before the event.

Anyone wishing to donate should send cheques payable to the Mark Davies Injured Riders' Fund to Watt Fences, Loos Road, Catterick Garrison.