Princess Anne visits riding school in Bellingdon

Feb 8 2012 by Camilla Goodman, Buckinghamshire Examiner

princess anne

A SPECIAL riding school got the best 25th anniversary present it could hope for with a visit from Princess Anne.

The Princess Royal arrived at Bank Farm Riding for the Disabled Association in Bellingdon by helicopter on Tuesday, to help celebrate its quarter-century.

The princess, who is patron of national charity Riding for the Disabled, met volunteers and riders, including the organisations first ever rider, Lindsay Moore.

She also watched a display put on by pupils from Elmtree School, in Elmtree Hill, Chesham.

Vice-chairman of the group Jon Reynolds said: "I think its fantastic. We've tried to get her a couple of times before, but we were successful this time, which is great.

"It's good for everyone, not just RDA.

"This is her forte, and she has a healthy interest in it. What a way to mark our 25th birthday. It's the icing on the cake."

Trustee and secretary Yvonne Rush said: "I think it's great that Anne Coney, the chairman of Bank Farm, managed to get her to come. Everyone is really excited. It's a great day for the club. Princess Anne is so lovely and so easy to talk to."

The MP for Chesham and Amersham, Cheryl Gillan, was a guest at the celebrations. "I think it's fantastic to see her royal highness here," she said. "This was the last place I sat on a horse, about 15 years ago."

Everyone works so hard here so people with disabilities are able to participate in what is after all a fantastic sport.

See more photos here