ThePrincess Royal, Vice-Patron of the British Horse Society (BHS), paid a special visit to the Margaret Haes Riding Centre in Bury, GreaterManchester, earlier this month to see first-hand how its programmes have benefited the local area. Celebrating its 60th year, the BHS Approved Centre continues to play a vital role within the community, through the delivery of BHS programmes, welcoming local schools like Mill Schoolwhich supports children with autism, and through partnerships with organisations such as KrimmzYouth Cluboffering 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. She also met the coaches and young people who have been supported through the delivery of BHSs Changing Lives Through Horses initiativeat the Centre. It was an honour and a joy to welcomeHer Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to the Riding Centre to celebrate its 60th anniversary, said MargaretHaes Riding Centre Director and Trustee, Debra Batchelor. Meeting Her Royal Highness in her capacity as Vice-Patron of BHS and introducing her to our horses was atruly special occasion for the Centres riders, volunteers and coaches.A few years back, this major milestoneseemed unreachable as the Centre faced an uncertain future.However, 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 of the BHS, was the perfect way to celebrate our sixtieth anniversary, and to remember the late Maragret(Peggy)Haes, theCentres founder, whobelieved horse riding should be accessible to those with disability. It was a delight to demonstrate whatwe doat the Centreand the beneficial impact it has on the lives of our ridersand 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 theevent, 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 givingthe CentresVolunteer of the Year award to Sarah Chadwick, an NHS healthcare professional, who devotes her spare time to volunteering at the Centre.It was a real privilege to join the celebrations marking the Margaret Haes Riding Centres 60th anniversary and to see first-hand the difference the Centre continues to make in the lives of so many young people, added Mr Hick.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.More from Your HorseLacking hacking motivation? These three ideas will helpHow much weight can a horse carry?Does your horse really need to wear a rug when its wet? Equine vet advisesHow targeted worming can protect your horse and the environmentThe post ThePrincess Royal visits riding centre transforming the lives of young people appeared first on Your Horse.