A ROSSENDALE horse rider has used her near-tragedy experience to set up an innovative business -- using massage as a new healing power for ponies.

Amanda Rothwell, 29, of Clifton Farm, Deerplay, and her 19-year-old horse, Guy, were out riding when they were struck by a wagon travelling at 40mph on a country lane.

Today, four years on, Amanda is using her experiences following that horrific accident to build a new future.

After the accident, which left her with multiple injuries, she was given sports massage to help her own recovery. And now, inspired by the healing powers of massage she has trained as an equine massage therapist to offer the same treatment for horses.

Amanda said: "In the immediate aftermath of the crash doctors were concerned my back was broken.

"Fortunately, within hours I recovered the use of my legs. But my tendons and ligaments in my hip had been badly damaged, so for years afterwards I tried everything to ease the pain and restore the movement but was told there was little chance of success."

Amanda, who attends the Sussex-based East Grinstead Livery College three times a year to brush up on her skills, said the results of sports massage therapy were so impressive that she started to get interested in the science of it.

She added: "When I saw a company offering sports massage training for horses I knew I wanted to give it a go." Amanda then used her training to start her own business, AR Equine Therapy, where she provides massages for all types of treatment, from strains to rehabilitation from injury.

She said: "My own horse is old and suffers from arthritis, so I give him a massage. It doesn't cure the arthritis but it does help to ease some of the stiffness.

"It's the same sort of thinking that is applied to humans but I don't use laser or ultrasound. You have to study how the horse moves before deciding on the treatment.

"Once I had the training, I decided to set up the business."

Since then she has been given support from the Bacup-based Top of the Valley team, a Business Link supported project, which is designed to help growing businesses in the area.

Amanda said: "I have been on a business start-up course and have been given advice on how to market the service. It's all been very useful. Now I am keen to make it work but it is nice to know there is support and advice available when I need it."

Anybody who would like to speak to Amanda to find out more about her services should contact her on 078119 56326.