International Programme Visit By HRH The Princess Royal A Success

The visit made by World Horse Welfare President HRH The Princess Royal to our training programme in South Africa has been hailed a success. For the first time The Princess Royal visited one of our International programmes. She spent time at the Soweto Equestrian Centre where our charity provides local people with saddlery and farriery skills to improve the lives of their horses and therefore their own livelihoods. Last week (Monday 16 April) The Princess Royal met World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers, our charity’s Head of Programme Development Karen O’Malley, and the 10 harness makers and 12 farriery students who are currently being trained at the Soweto Equestrian Centre. Karen O’Malley said: “With much preparation made for The Princess Royal's visit, it was excellent to be part of the occasion in Soweto. For the students to be able to showcase their knowledge and skills, it really was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am very proud of them all.” The Princess Royal also met the founder of the Soweto Equestrian Centre Enos Mafokate who is South Africa’s first black show jumper. The Centre, in addition to hosting farriery and harness-making training, offers its excellent facilities to more than 50 able-bodied and disabled children who participate in a variety of equestrian sports. Enos encourages children with the desire to reach the top level of equestrian sport to compete at national and international levels. Karen O’Malley goes on to say: “The visit was a great success with The Princess Royal complementing Enos on his achievements. The vaulting, riding and show jumping demonstrations highlighted the abilities of the children and Enos' commitment to encourage young people of all ages to participate in equestrian activities.”

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