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Princess Royal Honors Horses in Northern Ireland
27 Jun
Summary
- Princess Anne visited stables in Katesbridge, County Down.
- She has a long association with horses and The British Horse Society.
- The Princess Royal competed in the 1976 Olympic equestrian event.
The Princess Royal's enduring passion for horses was evident during a recent visit to Northern Ireland. Her Royal Highness, serving as Vice Patron of The British Horse Society, toured stables located in Katesbridge, County Down. During her visit, she spent time with the horses and also participated in planting a tree.
She was welcomed at Shanaghan Veterinary Services by equine vet Dr. Esther Skelly-Smith, an owner of Shanaghan Hill Farm. Dr. Skelly-Smith expressed her honor at hosting the princess, noting her significant contributions to world horse welfare and the encouragement she provides to local equine volunteers.
This visit further emphasizes the Princess Royal's long-standing connection with equestrianism. She notably became the first royal family member to compete in the Olympics in 1976, participating in the three-day event. Her daughter, Zara Tindall, followed this legacy by competing in the same discipline at the 2012 London Olympics.
Earlier in the day, the Princess Royal visited the Sense Hub in Belfast, where she met with adults and children who have complex needs. She was formally greeted by Northern Ireland's deputy first minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, and health minister, Mike Nesbitt.
