The Magic Millions Festival of Eventing welcomed a special guest: Wallace The Great, a mule who seemed to be taking his new celebrity status in his stride.

Wallace has broken new ground as the first mule allowed to compete in affiliated British Dressage competitions and he was invited to join the dressage demonstration at The Festival, where he attracted much attention and showed perfect manners around the other horses in the collecting ring.

Wallace, who is thought to be about 11 years old, was found abandoned in Ireland and was rescued by the Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth, Devon, where his handler, Lesley Radcliffe, soon realised he was talented. She suggested that Christie McLean, a nearby yard manager, might like to ride him.

“He was exceptionally able compared to the other mules,” explained Leslie, who has been congratulated by the British Mule Society for blazing a trail. Christie describes him as “really quite fluid in his movement”. She said: “He’s really forward and fun to ride and very responsive and intelligent.”

It may be a while before Wallace is selected for the British team, but he certainly seems to have a fascinating new career ahead of him and has come a long way since his sad beginnings.