A RIDING school was invited to an anniversary celebration where they met the Princess Royal.

Sea View Riding School on Walney Island were invited to Wrea Green Equitation Centre, near Preston, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Pony Club Centre Scheme.

The initiative was launched to broaden the opportunities available for young people to enjoy activities at local riding centres.

The scheme allows participants from diverse backgrounds to engage in a variety of activities, including over 130 achievement badges, skills assessments, and championship levels. Today, the scheme boasts over 340 affiliated riding centres nationwide and 10,000 members.

Sea View Riding School was awarded a plaque for being one of the first clubs to join the Centre Member Scheme in 1999.

Sea View Riding instructor Claire Hayton attended the anniversary celebration where she enjoyed a morning of activity that included bandaging, grooming and fitness demonstrations.

Then, Claire, along with representatives from 24 other centres, gathered at the indoor arena where they were treated to a glass of champagne.

Claire enjoyed an Afternoon Tea while getting to know like-minded people from clubs and riding schools across the country, as far as Wales, Cornwall, and Scotland.

After a speech from The Pony Club Chairman, a parade of horses heralded Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who presented everyone’s awards.

The Princess, now 73 years old, is well known for her love of horses, having competed at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal and taking a role as Patron of The Pony Club.

Claire said it was ‘nerve-wracking’ to meet the royal but the Princess was ‘really nice’ and took the time to chat with each individual.

She said: “I knew it would be in Princess Anne’s presence but I didn’t realise we would get a chance to speak to her."

Marcus Capel, CEO of The Pony Club, said: “It was a delight to welcome Her Royal Highness to join us in celebrating our Centre Membership Scheme. The Centre proprietors and Members thoroughly enjoyed chatting with her.”

Claire said: “We couldn’t have done it without our fantastic horses and ponies and our great members of staff.

“I hope we can all carry on with the scheme and progress for another 25 years, giving those not fortunate enough to have their own horse a chance to pursue their passion.”