MUFF-based Kelda Morgan continues to recover from the fall she took when jumping at Eglinton in early October and, although still attending her physiotherapist twice a week, has returned to the saddle.

“I’m back riding some of the older, quieter ones!” stressed Kelda who suffered spinal cord damage and a head injury in the incident and spent 11 days in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. Morgan’s consultant told her that she was “very, very lucky” not to have been catastrophically injured.

“I did have problems with my arms at first but my legs were fine so when I got home, I decided to keep myself fit by doing a bit of walking,” revealed Kelda. “I’m now able to help around the farm but won’t be riding any four-year-olds for a while and I don’t see myself back on the five-year-olds until the summer. I’ve a few nice ones I’m looking forward to competing again and, of course, I’ll be back out on George (her 13-year-old Grade A Touchdown gelding) as soon as I can.”

Kelda is being kept busy with five and a half-year-old daughter Eliza Lapsley, who she led on the Donegal Harriers’ children’s meet hosted two weeks ago by the Mulrine family of Ballybofey. She is also giving private show jumping lessons and coaching members of the East Donegal Pony Club and Letterkenny Riding Club.

“Teaching is giving me plenty to do but I have to say it’s a bit depressing now not being able to compete when others are heading off to Cavan and places. I just have to be patient.”