Tuesday 24th June 2025 saw feverish activity at the Muiryhall Equestrian Centre – the operations base for the Forres Nairn & District Riding for the Disabled Group.
Having been advised earlier in the year that the Group’s hard work and dedication over a 40+ year period was being recognised by the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest Award given to voluntary groups and the equivalent of an MBE – the Trustees and volunteers were delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal, President of RDA UK, to present them with the Award.
Ponies were groomed to perfection – their impressive plaits met with Royal approval – saddles and bridles polished and gleaming – and 7 lucky children not only got an extra’s day riding, but also the opportunity to meet a Princess. And, to make the day even more enjoyable, the weather was on their side too!
The Royal Party was welcomed by Nancy Robson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Moray, before being presented to Michael Bishop, CEO RDA UK, Elizabeth Furness, Regional Chair RDA Grampian and Highland, and Emma Gregg, Chair of the Forres Nairn & District Group.
HRH The Princess Royal was particularly interested to hear about the Group’s Pony Sponsorship Scheme – the only such scheme running in the UK – and to meet some of the current sponsors, including representatives from The Paddock, Nairn Fresh Fish, Brodie Kennels, Gaia Earth Group and Scotplant Contractors.
Before proceeding to the arena, HRH The Princess Royal was introduced to Kyla Mantilla Ross – and admired many of her trophies. Since riding with the Group from age 7, Kyla has excelled in dressage, winning at Regional, Scottish and National levels in 2022. Since then, she has represented Scotland as part of the first ever Scottish team at the BD Para Home Nations. Her ambition is to be selected for Team GB and ultimately ride as a para rider in the paralympics.
At the arena, HRH The Princess Royal was introduced to Michelle Lucas, The Group’s Coach, and observed the 7 riders undertaking elements of the Countryside Challenge, before presenting each rider with a rosette. HRH The Princess Royal was very interested in learning more about drill riding (teams of riders riding in formation to music, performing complex fast paced movements on horseback). Michelle holds an annual sponsored Competition which last year raised £2,000 for the Group.
HRH The Princess Royal then chatted with current and past volunteers, before Nancy Robson (Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Moray) read out the Citation. HRH The Princess Royal then presented the Certificate to Sonia Howell (previous Chair and current volunteer) – and finally the accolade of all accolades for volunteers – the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to Emma Gregg.
Kyla Mantilla Ross presented HRH The Princess Royal with a rosette, before Kathleen Stewart (the Group’s youngest volunteer) presented her with a posy.
Quote from Emma: “Being awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the greatest honour the Group can receive. For this to then be crowned by a visit from HRH The Princess Royal has been just amazing! Her passion for horses is well documented of course; in her role as President of RDA UK, she is very knowledgeable about the work we do and the benefits it can give to children – and now to those living with dementia through our Tea With a Pony initiative. The length of time she spent with us – much longer than originally planned – also demonstrated how much she is interested not only in our activities, but in the people she met.”
After a very successful visit, all invited guests, including former volunteers, supporters, parents/carers and partners from local schools had the opportunity to chat and relax over a very welcome cuppa and, of course, cake! A fantastic culmination to yet another successful year for the Group – with all eyes now looking forward to a very welcome break over the summer for the ponies and most of the volunteers, although fundraising continues apace – before another year of invaluable work commences.
