London: Princess Anne visits Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre

Princess Royal meets young riders

Staff, parents and children were thrilled when HRH The Princess Royal paid a visit to the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre at a special event hosted by the Worshipful Company of Loriners.

The event, which was held to celebrate the Centre's 25th anniversary, was attended by more than 150 people. The Princess Royal mingled with guests and particularly enjoyed watching a riding display put on by some of the youngsters following which she presented each of the riders with a medal.

To further commemorate the evening the Worshipful Company of Loriners donated eight specially made bridles for the WSPC's team of dancing white horse which were emblazoned with the Loriners crest together with breast plates and numnah's also bearing the crest which were also presented by the Princess Royal.

And as a thank you two of the young children who attend the Centre, Jessica Wilks and Max Laurence both aged nine presented the Princess with a posy of flowers.

"It was an extremely special evening and we were highly honoured that HRH the Princess Royal agreed to attend," said Sister Mary Joy Langdon IJS, Founder and General Manager of the WSPC.

"The Princess was absolutely marvellous, taking time to speak to the children and taking a keen interest in the work we do. She was equally keen to learn more about the impact the ponies have on these young people's lives."

The Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre provides riding and equine therapy to both able bodied and children with disabilities and special needs and is attended by over 350 children annually each reaping the remarkable benefits which stems from interaction with the 19 ponies housed at the WSPC.

For many it is a true sanctuary and one which has become a life changing experience. The children are taught how to care for the animals as well as ride and are all treated as equals irrespective of their condition. It is a formula which works and
has marked benefits building self-esteem and providing the children with a sense of achievement, often for the first time in their lives.

A non-profit organisation, Mary Joy and a small team of volunteers work tirelessly to raise the £180,000 per year needed to keep the Centre open.

Sister Mary Joy continued: "This has been one of a number of events we have held this year in a bid to further raise funds for the Centre both for the upkeep and to finance some new initiatives. We are so grateful to both the Worshipful Company of Loriners for hosting this special event and also to the Princess Royal. It was a truly memorable occasion for all who attended."

For more information see: www.wormwoodscrubsponycentre.org.uk