Five riders with the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association displayed their equestrian skills to the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, and her husband Sir Tim Lawrence when they visited the facility in Saanichton on Sunday, May 6.

The Princess Royal awarded ribbons to the riders, including six-year-old Elliot Burns, who was recognized for his perseverance.

鈥淗opefully that left the impression that these programs are really, really important and these kids are really happy. It鈥檚 amazing that she got to see that and we got to participate. I feel very proud,鈥� said Burns mother, Genevive Parent, in a news release.

Parent noted Burns has quadriplegic CP, and riding has not only helped him get physically stronger, he鈥檚 also become good friends with his horse Bangsie.

鈥淲e discussed my balance, which is really shaky if I鈥檓 not in a wheelchair. She said to me 鈥榃ell, sitting on a horse is a great equalizer isn鈥檛 it?鈥� I told her that鈥檚 absolutely right, when I sit on this horse, I don鈥檛 think about the wheelchair and I鈥檓 a different person,鈥� said Pippa Blake, another rider with the VTRA.

The VTRA was one of multiple stops she made in Greater Victoria, which included participating in a service marking the Battle of the Atlantic at the legislature.

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