Little Rosie Randall stole the show as the Princess Royal officially opened the Riding for the Disabled Association facility on the outskirts of Perth.
The four-year-old Craigie youngster suffers from cerebral palsy and can only crawl.
But she loves horses and was thrilled to be part of a Royal visit to the Kinfauns Arena and Stables on Thursday.
With Rosie proudly sporting a rosette presented by Princess Anne, president of the RDA, mum Devin recalled: “Rosie first came up here with her grandparents before the stables had actually opened. Now she comes here every Friday and has come on leaps and bounds.
“Rosie is a happy wee girl and needs a walking frame to get around. But sitting on the ponies has helped her strength, balance and posture. She loves coming here.”
Local businessman and St Johnstone owner Geoff Brown welcomed the Princess Royal to an RDA approved facility which has taken shape in a converted barn at his Castle Farm over the last two years, with backing from his Gesby charitable trust.
He said: “Seeing how much it means to youngsters like Rosie is what this is all about. Rosie was our first rider. We had to bend the rules a little because she only celebrated her fourth birthday with a pony party three weeks ago.”
The Princess Royal was accompanied by Lord Lieutenant Brigadier Mel Jameson and Mrs Sam Orde, chairman of the RDA.
Horse breeder Mr Brown said: “It was wonderful to welcome the Princess Royal to the Kinfauns Stables, a real honour and something we hadn’t expected. She was great with the kids and the volunteers, having a word for everyone. It was very relaxed.
“She was impressed with the centre and with the work of all our volunteers.
“It is quite a milestone for us. We have come a long way in a short time. We have already given more than 5,000 lessons since July last year. That is down to the work of our volunteers and the businesses which are supporting us.
“It’s great that Perth has a centre like this on its doorstep. But it doesn’t stop here. We already have plans to create a small outdoors gallops.”
The Princess Royal was welcomed to the indoor arena by a 160-strong crowd, including 40 riders, parents and careers from Perth Autism and the Kinnoull Centre. Before leaving for another engagement, the Royal guest was presented with a posy by Tilly Scrimgeour.
After enjoying a display and presenting rosettes, Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque and cut the celebratory cake, in blue and white St Johnstone colours. She also presented President’s Awards to long-time volunteers Susan Fowlie, from Aberdeen, and Mrs Janet Parkinson, from Dundee.
The Princess Royal, who competed with the GB equestrian team in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, said: “To welcome a new RDA group is a pleasure. The enthusiasm here is hugely impressive and the general support enjoyed by the group is enormously encouraging.
“This is a wonderful centre and it is obviously well supported. I can only wish it well.”
Head coach Angie Welch revealed the stables team was on-site before 7am to make sure the ponies and Mr Brown’s retired racehorse Hurricane Jack were turned out immaculately for the big day.
She said: “It was nerve-racking but everyone enjoyed the Royal visit. It was lovely for the riders, who range from four to 60, and all the volunteers who have worked so hard to make it a success.
“And it was lovely to see Rosie, our first ever rider, so excited. She is very precious to us. It was an emotional day for everyone.”
