A HORSE lover whose dream of an equestrian career was shattered after a trampolining accident has won a six-figure sum in damages.

Sporty Michelle Hadfield ended up losing a leg following the accident.

Then aged 21, she was taking a break from looking after her beloved pony, Bugsy, to try out a trampolining class at Medlock Leisure Centre in Droylsden.

"They started me off slowly, but then I had to do this complicated move. I landed, twisted and my leg gave way," she said.

Rushed to Tameside Hospital, Michelle was told both bones in her leg had snapped and the main artery was severed.

After two operations surgeons were forced to admit defeat and Michelle consented to have her leg amputated below the knee.

It was after talking to friends and family that Michelle decided to get legal advice through her dad’s membership of UNISON, on the basis that the move had been too complicated and she hadn’t been properly supervised.

She initially rejected an out-of-court settlement from the centre, which denied responsibility.

When steps were taken to start court proceedings, it doubled the initial offer and Michelle accepted.

Now working in a call centre, the 25 year old had hoped to follow a three-year equestrianism course.

She added: "The accident means I can’t do that anymore, although I can still ride as a hobby, and that was partly why I got the damages."

Neil Chaisty, general manager at Tameside Sports Trust, said it was a ‘freak accident’.

"It was extremely unfortunate that due to medical complications Michelle subsequently had to have her lower leg amputated.

"The trust has the utmost sympathy for Michelle and settlement of the case was negotiated by our insurers on a mutually amicable basis without any recourse to the court and without liability for the accident being accepted," he said.