The British Horse Society welcomes HRH The Princess Royal at central London community riding school

The British Horse Society welcomes HRH The Princess Royal at central London community riding school

The British Horse Society (BHS) were honoured to welcome their Vice-Patron, HRH The Princess Royal and President, Martin Clunes, to London-based Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre on 8 February to see how it is benefiting young people in the local area.

This visit marks 35 years of the BHS Approved Centre which has gone from strength to strength to become a pillar of the local community. Under the guidance of Founder Sister Mary Joy, Wormwood Scrubs has helped to improve the lives of hundreds of children by enabling the remarkable transformation that can happen when the bond between horses and people takes place.

This includes enrolling their participants in the BHS’s Changing Lives through Horses (CLTH) initiative, an alternative education programme which aims to reconnect disadvantaged and disengaged young people back into communities through the power of horses. This is incredibly important for those who previously may have never had the chance to experience the benefits that horses can bring.

Offering riding and equine therapy, Wormwood Scrubs is a perfect example of the positive impact horses can have on local communities. This riding centre, along with all other centres in the UK, is the lifeblood of equestrianism and the BHS wants to see more like this across the country.

To showcase the wonderful work that Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre do to increase the confidence and practical skills of young people through the power of horses, as well as the support the BHS have contributed, HRH The Princess Royal observed demonstrations from some of the young people who take part in the CLTH initiative.

This comprised of riding activities and displays, showcasing the participant’s enthusiasm and passion for equestrianism, from all backgrounds and levels of ability. HRH The Princess Royal also met with key staff at the centre, including their patron and BHS President, Martin Clunes, and presented them with a plaque to celebrate their amazing achievements.

James Hick, Chief Executive Officer at The British Horse Society 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 their 35^th anniversary.

The BHS is a champion for all riding schools, especially those that are in urban areas and 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.”

To learn more about The British Horse Society, the work they do and how you can support the charity to continue to create a better future for horses, as well as those who love, care for and work with them, visit bhs.org.uk.

You can discover more about Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre and how they support children in the local community, by visiting wormwoodscrubsponycentre.org.uk.

Images available here – please credit Nico Morgan: https://we.tl/t-ViWGlMF81c