PRESS RELEASE
Victoria/Saanichton – May 5, 2024
Five riders with the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association (VTRA) displayed their equestrian skills to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence when they visited the riding facility on Sunday.
The Princess Royal awarded ribbons to the riders. 6 year old Elliot Burns was recognized for his perseverance. His mother, Genevieve Parent, says she was excited when Elliot turned to The Princess Royal with his big, charming smile, "Hopefully that left the impression that these programs are really, really important and these kids are really happy. It's amazing that she got to see that and we got to participate. I feel very proud." Parent says Elliot has quadriplegic CP, and riding has not only helped him get physically stronger, he's also become good friends with his horse Bangsi.
Another rider, 73-year-old Pippa Blake, says The Princess Royal was incredibly insightful. "We discussed my balance, which is really shaky if I'm not in a wheelchair. She said to me 'Well, sitting on a horse is a great equalizer isn't it?' I told her that's absolutely right, when I sit on this horse, I don't think about the wheelchair and I'm a different person."
The Princess Royal also took the time to meet some of the horses and talk to a few of the volunteers about their work. VTRA staff, participants, volunteers and board members will be forever grateful for her visit.
About VTRA
VTRA is a non-profit charitable organization that uses horseback riding as a therapeutic aid for children and adults of diverse abilities throughout Greater Victoria. VTRA is supported by a small staff and a team of more than 200 dedicated volunteers, as well as a dozen horses. Therapeutic riding helps improve the cognitive, physical, and emotional wellbeing of children and adults with diverse abilities. For more information, please visit vtra.ca
Media Contacts:
Liz Gagel, Acting Exec. Dir. (778) 426-0506 Liz.Gagel@vtra.ca
Annie Brothwell, VTRA Board Chair (250) 858-3330 abrothwell@hotmail.com
