Jockey Michael Walker is walking, talking, and has had his first trip home since he sustained life-threatening injuries during a pig-hunting trip last month.
Walker (24) fell more than 10m down a bluff while hunting in remote King Country bush on May 19.
Despite his condition being life-threatening for the first 72 hours, the champion jockey is making remarkable progress in his recovery, said fiancee Candace Smith.
Walker is currently undergoing treatment in a Wellington rehabilitation unit, having progressed gradually from being in a coma in intensive care four weeks ago.
"Michael is walking and talking. He is fully aware of what has happened and has suffered no memory loss," Miss Smith said in a statement.
Walker was able to go home to Hawera last weekend, spend time with his son Kase, see his horses and dogs, and watch racing on TV, she said.
"He has personally opened every card sent to him and is extremely humbled by the support. He wants to thank everyone for their support." Miss Smith said Walker was doing well but realised he had "a long way to go".
He wanted people to know he was making good progress but urged media to respect his privacy.
He also wanted to personally acknowledge the medical staff in New Plymouth, Auckland, and Wellington who had helped care for him.
Walker had ridden 173 winners this season and was on track to become the first jockey to ride 200 winners in a season before his accident.
