The British Horse Society (BHS) was honoured to host their Vice-Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the Household Cavalry Museum, London on 27 September to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. The intimate luncheon is just one of many festivities planned to commemorate the work the BHS has done to support horses and horse owners across the United Kingdom.
As the largest and most influential equestrian charity in the UK, the BHS has been able to make a real impact on the equestrian industry over the past 75 years through wide-ranging campaigns and initiatives. These range from improving horse care and welfare to increasing the awareness of rider safety on our roads.
To highlight the variety of stakeholders that the BHS works with and the vital work they have contributed, HRH The Princess Royal heard from guests close to the Society about their experiences, interactions and contributions to and with the BHS. From one of the Society’s leading Fellows to its Chairman Emeritus, the occasion was bursting with stories of reflection, fondness and laughter.
HRH The Princess Royal also contributed to these reflections, as a long-standing supporter of the BHS and British Riding Clubs. Looking back over her time as Vice-Patron to the BHS, The Princess Royal spoke about her own personal experience of some of the Society’s achievements which include meeting participants taking part in the Changing Lives through Horses programme and visiting one of the Welfare Healthcare Clinic Days, which supports horses and their owners that need it most.
During the luncheon, the BHS also took the opportunity to celebrate not one, but two recipients of The Queen’s Award for Equestrianism. Presented by The Princess Royal, John McEwen MBE, BVMS, MRCVS and Major Retd. Richard Waygood MBE were acknowledged for their exceptional contribution to the equestrian industry in 2020 and 2022 respectively.
James Hick, Chief Executive Officer at The British Horse Society rounded off the event with his thoughts on the day and the future of the Society: “We were honoured to be joined by HRH The Princes Royal to celebrate 75 years of The British Horse Society. Our Vice-Patron’s life-long passion for horses has exemplified true equestrianism and fine horsemanship, and her support has been invaluable.
It has also been a memorable celebration of all those who have worked so hard over the last 75 years to make the BHS what it is today. I am truly proud to be part of such a passionate and knowledgeable team and look forward to continuing to reframe the BHS as the charity that is here to support all those that want to learn about, and interact with horses.
To look ahead, we took a moment to recognise some of the pressures the equestrian community finds itself under, with high running costs and a severe lack of trained and professional staff available to allow businesses to meet demand. However, we believe that there is a bright future ahead and will spend the next 75 years riding by the side of all equestrians.”
To learn more about the BHS and the work they do, visit here
