MEET Fidget, a one-eyed horse with “the heart of a lion,” whose unwavering zest for life has inspired her owner to enter her into a national competition.

“Who needs two eyes anyway” is the slogan of Jen Green’s fundraising appeal ahead of the Wobbleberry Challenge this year.

The 29-year-old, from Fishburn, is taking part in the charity challenge on her veteran thoroughbred, Fidget, whose recovery from eye surgery is the source of great pride.

Despite the best efforts of vets, Fidget’s eye was removed in 2016 after she panicked while recovering from an essential cataract operation causing irreversible damage. However, she has not let her missing eye hold her back, and is happiest when riding and jumping with her devoted owner.

Aimed at raising money for research into osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, and providing riding experiences for seriously ill people, the Wobbleberry Challenge is primarily for riders who have never competed at British Events level before.

It is organised by Hannah’s Willberrry Wonder Pony Charity, which was set up by talented event rider Hannah Francis, 18, who died of osteosarcoma in August 2016.

Hannah defied medical opinion, riding right up until her death, and the challenge, at Frickley Park near Doncaster this summer, is a celebration of what normal people can achieve.

It sees entrants take part in dressage, show jumping and cross-country rounds, with 1,200 riders entering last year and more than £215,000 raised for the charity.

For Ms Green and Fidget the challenge will be all the greater due to the horse’s disability.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” said Ms Green, a freelance horse riding coach and equine teacher.

“I’m not the bravest jumper. I like to keep my feet on the ground. However, it is such a good cause and a wonderful challenge for Fidget. She is 20 now but is not showing any signs of slowing down or letting her issues get in her way. She has the heart of a lion and makes me so proud every day.”

To sponsor Ms Green, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/whoneedstwoeyesanyway

To find out more about the challenge, visit wobbleberries.com/the-challenge