Michael Schumacher: Wife Corinna Schumacher pictured smiling at first public appearance since tragic accident

The wife of the seven-time Formula One world champion is pictured in German magazine Bild

Corinna Schumacher, wife of the former racing driver Michael Schumacher, arrives at the Grenoble University Hospital to continue a bedside vigil for her husband who is recovering from severe head injuries sustained in a skiing accident (GETTY IMAGES)

Corinna Schumacher has been heralded a “heroine” an “the epitome of grace and charm” as she made her first public appearance since the tragic skiing accident that left her husband Michael Schumacher comatose in December 2013.

The wife of the seven-time Formula One world champion is pictured in German magazine Bild (the same publication criticised for these shots of the Duchess of Cambridge) laughing, smiling and handing out chocolates at a Western-style horse riding event in Givrins, Switzerland over the weekend.

According to the publication, Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm accompanied Corinna to the ranch she purchased in 2004, as riders from several different nations turned up to take part.

“She was not so mighty that she couldn't push away a wheelbarrow with manure from the stables,” and attendee is quoted by The Mirror as saying.

“She had kind words for everyone there.”

The tabloid goes on to suggest that Schumacher’s 15-year-old son, also named Michael, rode one of Corinna’s horses at the show.

Corinna, who has been married to Schumacher for 18 years, has been an ever-present figure of strength for fans in the wake of his head injury, often staying in hospital by his side for 10 hours a day as he fought for his life.

Since awaking from his medically induced coma on 16 June, he has been treated at a rehabilitation clinic near his family home in Lausanne.

He is currently paralysed and remains speechless, but medical experts are hoping that the driver is able to make enough progress to be able to sit in a wheelchair.

However, leading medical expert Erich Riederer warned that Schumacher “will remain an invalid for the rest of his life” and “will always remain dependent on others' help”.

The neurologist added that Schumacher will have “permanent” brain damage and that it will be a “success” if he manages to sit unaided within the next three months and operate an electric wheelchair within six months.

“It is an incredibly positive message when someone wakes up after being in a coma for half a year,” he continued.

“For him it is positive, but also for his family, this is hugely important.”