HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new operational hub of The British Horse Society (BHS) in Stirling on Friday.
Princess Anne, vice-patron of the society, unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the hub, based at the Stirling Agricultural Centre.
Stirling Agricultural Centre is also home to many rural organisations and activities including the bi-annual Stirling Bull Sales.
The BHS is the largest equestrian charity in Scotland and the opening of the hub will provide a prestigious base for its members, volunteers, stakeholders, and supporters in Scotland and the north of England to experience and champion best practice equestrianism.
To highlight the variety of stakeholders that the BHS works with in Scotland, HRH The Princess Royal saw a demonstration from Police Scotland Mounted Branch who work with the society on Operation ‘Lose the Blinkers.’
The collaborative campaign is directed at all road users with the aim of reducing injuries and deaths because of vehicles passing too close or too fast to ridden or driven horses.
The event also included a pipe band display, and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards who work closely with the society.
Others in attendance to celebrate the grand opening were members of the Moredun Foundation which the BHS funds to support research into equine grass sickness.
Helene Mauchlen, national manager in Scotland for The British Horse Society, said: “This is a huge step forward for the BHS with most legislation pertaining to the horse and equestrianism being devolved to the Scottish Government.
“By opening a new operational hub in Scotland, the BHS is accommodating a four-nation approach. It is a privilege and honour to have our vice-patron HRH here in Scotland to see the work of the BHS and to meet our members, volunteers, supporters, and stakeholders.”
The Princess Royal presented five BHS awards to BHS volunteers and stakeholders for their contributions to the society, as well as unveiling the plaque.
The Scottish hub will be open every Wednesday to BHS members, volunteers, and supporters.
To find out more about the BHS and their work in Scotland visit bhs.org.uk/Scotland
