A woman who lost her leg after contracting MRSA has conquered adversity and ridden to victory in a dressage competition.

Fiona Care, of Manorowen, had her leg amputated just below the knee in 2006 after contracting the infection at Withybush Hospital following an operation on a broken ankle, but she hasn’t looked back since.

Last April Fiona bought her horse, Boomerang and took part in a number of summer shows using a special prosthetic leg which enabled her to ride side saddle. The pair won rosettes in every class they entered and after taking up dressage in the winter, Fiona and Boomerang qualified for their first para-dressage competition held in Aberystwyth last Saturday.

On the day of the competition Boomerang was lame so Fiona only had a few hours to warm up on another horse — the first time she has ridden a different horse since buying Boomerang.

But Fiona still triumphed and will be taking Boomerang to the next stage to be held in July.

Fiona said: “This was my first competition and first time riding another horse. To do it under competition conditions, I was really chuffed.”

Fiona, who works four days a week as a small animal vet, says she and Boomerang share a special bond.

“We just clicked straight away,” she added.

“From the first time I rode her I knew she was going to take care of me and there have been a couple of times where she has stopped me falling off.

Fiona rides without her prosthesis for dressage thanks to an ingenious leather bucket designed by local saddler Mike Woods, of Llanychaer.

Custom-made for Fiona, the bucket attaches to the stirrup leather and gives her more stability in the saddle.

Fiona said: “I have probably got a more active life now than I have ever had. Having got rid of the infection I feel so well and full of energy I can cope with the pain I have.

“My prosthetist tells me I am probably the most active amputee they deal with.”

Fiona faces more reconstruction surgery on her amputated leg next month, but is hoping to be back in the saddle as soon as possible.