HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL AND THE BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY HONOUR CENTRE’S SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Margaret Haes Riding Centre on Tuesday ( 8 September,) in her capacity as Vice Patron of the British Horse Society (BHS).
BHS and everyone at Margaret Haes were delighted to welcome the Princess Royal, who was able to see first-hand how educational, therapeutic and community-based programmes have benefited the local area and the wider region.
Diane Hawkins, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Cllr Mohammed Tahir Rafiq, The Mayor of Bury accompanied by Nisa Tahir Rafiq, Mayoress, also attended the special event, along with supporters, staff and volunteers.
Celebrating its sixtieth year, the BHS Approved Centre in Ramsbottom, Bury, continues to play a vital role within the community, through the delivery of BHS programmes, welcoming local schools like Mill School which supports children with autism spectrum condition, and through partnerships with organisations such as Bolton-based Krimmz Youth Club offering women-only sessions.
During the visit, Her Royal Highness had the opportunity to watch pupils from Mill School taking part in ridden sessions designed to be accessible for young people with autism and communication needs, as well as meeting home-educated children participating in stable management activities.
There was also an opportunity to meet the coaches and young people who have been supported through the delivery of BHS’s Changing Lives Through Horses initiative at the Centre. This is an alternative education programme which aims to help young people build confidence and essential life skills, reconnecting with learning through the power of horses.
James Hick, Chief Executive Officer at BHS, said; “It was a real privilege to join the celebrations marking the Margaret Haes Riding Centre’s 60th anniversary and to see first-hand the difference the Centre continues to make in the lives of so many young people.
“The confidence, skills and sense of achievement developed through equine-assisted learning were evident throughout the day. From the riding sessions and award presentations to the stories shared by participants and their families, it was wonderful to witness the positive impact that horses can have in helping young people grow and thrive.
“Our riding schools play a vital role in bringing people together and providing welcoming, inclusive spaces where individuals can learn, develop new skills and build lasting connections with horses. Hearing from coaches, parents and young people about what the Centre has meant to them over the years was incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of the value of this work.”
Debra Batchelor, MHRC Director and Trustee, commented; “It was an honour and a joy to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to the Riding Centre to celebrate our sixtieth anniversary. Meeting Her Royal Highness in her capacity as Vice Patron of BHS and introducing her to our horses was a truly special occasion for the Centre’s riders, volunteers and coaches.”
She explained: “A few years back, this major milestone seemed unreachable as the Centre faced an uncertain future. However, after a public fund raising, the award of a Community Ownership Grant, together with match funding from Bury-based GARL Foundation, enabled the charity to take ownership of the Centre and secure its future.”
She concluded: “The visit by Her Royal Highness, accompanied by James Hick, Chief Executive British Horse Society, was the perfect way to celebrate our sixtieth anniversary, and to remember the late Maragret (Peggy) Haes, the Centre’s founder, who believed horse riding should be accessible to those with disability. It was a delight to demonstrate what we do at the Centre and the beneficial impact it has on the lives of our riders and volunteers. With the support of the British Horse Society, the Centre is well-positioned to continue delivering hugely impactful programmes of horse riding, equine care, alternative education and social connection.”
At the end of the event, Her Royal Highness presented BHS Awards and certificates to celebrate the achievements of volunteers, young people and coaches connected to the Riding Centre,
This included the Centre’s Volunteer of the Year award to Sarah Chadwick, a NHS healthcare professional, who devotes her spare time to volunteering at the Centre, caring for the welfare of the horses, as well bringing a new lease of life to the centre through her work repairing and painting the yard this summer.
To learn more about the work of British Horse Society, go www.bhs.org.uk
For more information about the Margaret Haes Riding Centre visit https://www.facebook.com/MHRidingCentre/ or email info@mhrc.co.uk
