Owner pays tribute to rescue horse that became a show jumping star

Carol and Boxer - she has now written a book on her beloved race horse

A horse owner has published the rags to riches tale of a rescue horse who went on to win hundreds of show jumping prizes.

Boxer the gelding became famous in the horse world after overcoming a difficult start in life, to win top trophies across the West Country.

Now his owner Carol Dunster has written a book about his life, in tribute to the horse she says was her inspiration.

Carol adopted Boxer from the rescue charity World Horse Welfare, for just a £70 donation. A difficult past meant he was nervous and prone to bolting.

When Carol first started competing on him he would break free and cause chaos at shows.

Carol says a special saddle and training from a top show jumping trainer in Wadebridge helped calm Boxer's behaviour.

Boxer passed away two years ago at the age of 23. Carol has spent the last two years working on a book about their adventure together which even features a copy of a letter from the Queen, who has been touched by their story.

Carol says she now hopes telling their story will encourage more people to adopt rescue horses.