Horse whisperer works her magic on fallen Grand National runner

A real-life horse whisperer has nursed a Grand National runner back to health after it suffered a horrific fall while racing.

Dennis – a 17 hand thoroughbred – toppled over while scaling the famous Beechers Brook jump at Aintree Racecourse. As the stricken animal fell, a number of other horses smashed into him inflicting multiple injuries.

The animal was taken in by KC Horse Rescue Centre at Bodenham. It had a damaged back, a rotated pelvis and some lameness in his hind end.

With Dennis's future hanging in the balance Jacky Clarke, from Ludlow, approached the centre in the hope she could help nurse the horse back to full health.

Jacky took a picture of Dennis when he arrived and then another after 10 weeks of treatment.

She said: "I was keen to help a horse in need. I have been a Bowen practitioner for several years covering Shropshire and surrounding areas, treating people, horses, cats, dogs and farm animals.

"The Bowen technique is performed using a series of non-invasive gentle moves in very specific parts of the body.

"Dennis was an ideal candidate considering his injuries and his obvious lack of general health. The treatment has allowed his body to make a speedy recovery.

"When he arrived he was lethargic and weak. Soon his character started to show and he was cantering and bucking around in the field.

"He is a very gentle kind character and is now very happy.

"The way he stands has improved markedly, he used to stand very much with his fore legs underneath his body compensating for his unbalanced and weak body."

However Jacky is worried Dennis's future may still be clouded with uncertainty.

She said: "Keeping any animal, especially a large horse is very expensive.

"I am trying to raise funds to help keep Dennis, so if there is anyone willing to help I would be grateful for any assistance.

"Once achieved I would like to help other horses in a similar position to Dennis where I can give them treatment and the necessary care they need."

For information or to help Dennis e-mail jacky.clarke@live.co.uk