Royalty helps BHS centre celebrate 35th birthday

HRH The Princess Royal sees first-hand the work of central London community riding school 

On 8 February, the British Horse Society (BHS) was honoured to welcome its vice-patron, HRH The Princess Royal to the London-based Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre to see how it is benefiting young people in the local area.

This visit marked 35 years of the BHS Approved Centre, which has gone from strength to strength in that time and, under the guidance of its founder Sister Mary Joy, has helped to improve the lives of hundreds of children.

One way in which this is done is through the BHS’s Changing Lives Through Horses (CLTH) initiative, an alternative education programme that aims to reconnect disadvantaged and disengaged young people to their communities through the power of horses.

Offering riding and equine therapy, Wormwood Scrubs is an example of the positive impact horses can have on local communities and the BHS wants to see more of these kinds of centres set up across the country.

HRH The Princess Royal observed demonstrations from some of the young people who take part in the CLTH initiative, including riding activities and displays. She was able to see for herself the confidence, enthusiasm and passion for equestrianism in the participants, who come from all backgrounds and have various levels of ability, and she also met key staff at the centre, including patron and BHS president Martin Clunes. Finally, in recognition of the centre’s work, during her visit she presented the centre with a plaque to celebrate its amazing achievements.

James Hick, the BHS’s chief executive officer, said: “It was a privilege and an honour for us to be able to host our vice-patron, HRH The Princess Royal, at Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, a riding school she has supported over the years, to celebrate its 35^th anniversary.

“The BHS is a champion for all riding schools, especially those in urban areas that are passionate about providing young people who may not normally have the opportunity with the chance to interact with horses. We know the value this can provide and want to share more widely the positive impact that the horse–human bond can have on a young person’s life.

“All our riding schools play a critical role, helping to make sure that people from all communities have access to education, horse care and welfare, practical riding tuition and, most importantly, an inclusive and welcoming environment.”

For more information on the work of the BHS, visit bhs.org.uk