A charity that uses horsemanship to rehabilitate wounded service personnel has been given a royal boost in the form of a former racing thoroughbred.
The Princess Royal visited Horseback UK at Dinnet, near Aboyne in March to hear about the work the team do to help physically and psychologically wounded former soldiers, sailors and airmen move on with their lives.
Princess Anne asked to visit the charity after hearing corporate operations manager and former Marine Jay Hare give a talk at World Horse Welfare’s conference last year.
She was so impressed with the work of the charity that she has now donated her own former racehorse Straight Man to add to their stables.
The horse is expected to arrive at Dinnet tomorrow, and the team will spend eight months training him in the therapeutic approach they use to help wounded servicemen and women.
The charity has previously proved that racing horses can have a life away from the racecourse, having trained retired champ Peopleton Brook – who is now unflappable and an ideal companion to build up the trust of the veterans.
Former corporal Mr Hare – who lost a leg, eye and a number of fingers in a roadside bomb during a tour of Afghanistan with the 45 Commando Royal Marines – is looking forward to seeing Straight Man settle in and begin helping others.
The “second chance” for the horse fits in perfectly with the charity’s mantra and ambition to open new doors for the people they help – whether it be through horses or other outdoor activities they are exposed to during their time in Dinnet.
He said: “We have had great success in retraining our first ex-racehorse, Peopleton Brook, who used to sprint for a living and now rides Western and works with our veterans.
“Thoroughbreds have intelligent and lively minds, and take exceptionally well to the horsemanship we practise.
“The horse had suffered an injury to one of his tendons, which means he will not be able to do the work he was bred for.
“Her Royal Highness visited us in March and seemed very impressed with the work we do, and it was then that she mentioned her thoroughbred, Straight Man.
“It’s extremely impressive of her to donate like this and we really are very grateful.
“It will help us continue our great work with our ex-military personnel.”