HRH The Princess Royal presents RDA Forres and Nairn with King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Volunteers at a local centre that delivers therapeutic riding sessions for children with additional support needs welcomed a very special guest on Tuesday morning.

Forres Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled group were honoured to receive Her Royal Highness, Anne, The Princess Royal, attending to recognise the organisation’s hard work and dedication over more than 40 years with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Group chairwoman, Emma Gregg, was thrilled to accept “the greatest honour the group can receive”.

She said: “The visit from HRH The Princess Royal was amazing!

“Her passion for horses is well documented. In her role as president of RDA UK, she is very knowledgeable about the work we do and the benefits visits can give to children – and now to those living with dementia through our ‘Tea With a Pony’ initiative.

“The length of time she spent with us – much longer than originally planned – also demonstrated how much she is interested not only in our activities, but in the people she met.”

Seven visiting children were invited to meet the princess after enjoying pony rides. The animals had been groomed to perfection and their impressive plaits met with Royal approval.

The Royal Party was welcomed by deputy Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Nancy Robson, before being presented to Ms Gregg, RDA UK CEO, Michael Bishop, and regional chairwoman of RDA Grampian and Highland, Elizabeth Furness.

Princess Anne was particularly interested to hear about the group’s pony sponsorship scheme and to meet representatives of current sponsors including The Paddock, Nairn Fresh Fish, Brodie Kennels, Gaia Earth Group and Scotplant Contractors.

Before proceeding to the arena, HRH The Princess Royal was introduced to award-winning Kyla Mantilla Ross who, since riding with the group from the age of seven, has excelled in dressage, winning at regional, Scottish and national levels in 2022. Kyla also represented Scotland as part of the first ever Scottish team at the BD Para Home Nations.

The Princess Royal was introduced to the group’s coach, Michelle Lucas at the arena, observing riders undertaking elements of the countryside challenge, before presenting each of them with a rosette.

The princess was particularly interested in learning more about drill riding: teams riding in formation to music, performing complex, fast-paced movements. Last year, the annual sponsored drill competition raised £2000 for the group.

HRH The Princess Royal then chatted with volunteers, before deputy Ld. Lt Robson read out the citation.

The royal visitor then presented the certificate to previous chairwoman and current volunteer Sonia Howell, and finally, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to Ms Gregg.

In turn, Kyla presented Princess Anne with a rosette before the group’s youngest volunteer, Kathleen Stewart, also presented her with flowers.

Invited guests, including former volunteers, supporters, parents/carers and partners from local schools, chatted over tea and cake afterwards before HRH headed off to visit Gordonstoun School.

Ms Gregg finished: “The visit was a fantastic culmination to yet another successful year for the group.

“We now looking forward to a break over the summer for the ponies and volunteers, although fundraising continues ahead of another year of invaluable work!”

For more information visit https://forresnairnrda.org.uk/