10/12/12…. Royal visitor meets young horse riders

THERE was great excitement at a riding school near Thame last Thursday, when a royal visitor dropped in to meet its less able pupils and their instructors, and to help Father Christmas distribute presents.

Princes Anne, who is the current President of Riding for the Disabled (RDA), visited Franklin’s Riding stables in Shabbington, near Thame, at the invitation of Lindsey Kennedy, who is the Chair of Shabbington RDA.

Princess Anne watched a group of young riders put through their paces and then chatted with the children and riding school staff before presenting Pat Beckett with a long service award after 25 years as an instructor.

A posy of flowers, made by Velvet Brown of Long Crendon, was presented to the princess by one of the children.

PHOTO: By Doug Kennedy MSc, Vulcan House, Holly Tree Lane, Cuddington, Bucks