A FORMER jockey who was left a paraplegic following a hurdles race fall at Exeter Racecourse will achieve a long held ambition when she rides the War Horse Ride on Dartmoor this weekend.

Accompanying her will be her lifelong racing hero Richard Pitman, a former jockey who recently donated a kidney to a complete stranger.

Sarah Gaisford was left paralysed from the waist down when she fell during a race at Exeter Racecourse in 2007.

Sarah had ridden 50 point-to-point winners and 14 under Rules, but following her accident she thought her life in the saddle was over.

This year, however, Sarah started riding regularly again, and now will embark on the War Horse Ride with Richard Pitman, thanks to West Devon-based Liberty Trails, which provides Dartmoor riding holidays.

Founder of Liberty Trails  Elaine Prior said: 'I've always had the deepest respect for Sarah. When I heard she was riding regularly again, I wanted to offer her the chance to do the ride, as it's an incredible experience, across the same stunning scenery made famous by the film War Horse.'

Sarah said: 'Just to be back riding again on the open moors is something I never thought I'd be doing.

'Being on a horse gives me a sense of utmost freedom which is food for the soul when you are confined to a wheel chair. It will be amazing to be back on Dartmoor riding where they actually filmed War Horse.

'To do the ride with Richard Pitman is incredible. He's someone I really admire and I can't thank Liberty Trails enough for providing me with the experience.'

Richard Pitman said: 'I know Sarah well from the racing — it's fantastic to see her in the saddle again and I'm very much looking forward to riding across Dartmoor with her.'

Liberty Trails was set up this year to  provide adventure riding holidays on Dartmoor, so that experienced riders can enjoy first-hand the exhilaration and excitement of riding across the wide open expanses of Dartmoor.

Elaine said: 'As part of the War Horse Trail, they will stay at the Arundell Arms Hotel, where they will have dinner the evening before the ride.

'Sarah has really captured our imaginations, as she is now determined to become a top wheel chair tennis player, while Richard is someone we have the utmost admiration for, not least as he donated a kidney earlier this year.'