New role for top showjumper Big Star in Shropshire

Nick Skelton's Olympic horse Big Star will be staying at Stallion AI Services in Whitchurch, which provides an artificial insemination service, until the end of the month.

Having initially retired 16 years ago after breaking his neck in two places, Nick won in Rio on Big Star following a six-way jump-off.

They captured the hearts of the world when the duo won the individual gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Big Star, the appropriately named 13-year-old stallion Nick rates as the best horse he has ever ridden, is currently recovering from a minor injury.

The horse, owned by Gary and Beverley Widdowson, is expected to be sidelined from competition until January.

Tullis Matson, managing director of Stallion AI Services, said: "We are very lucky to have him here in Whitchurch.

"He is such a high profile stallion who is renowned worldwide."

Stallion AI Services has also been involved in unique projects including at Chester Zoo, and is now in talks with an organisation in southern Africa regarding the cryopreservation of elephant semen.

It provides services for animals involved in show-jumping, dressage, and Arabian stallions with a state-of-the-art centre and laboratory.

They recently announced that they are set to move to a new site as part of a £1.1 million expansion project, which will be one of the biggest artificial insemination facilities in Europe.

The company currently employs 16 people, but is now expecting to bring in more as a result of its expansion, which is backed by funding from NatWest.