Princess Anne brought royal attention to the power of ponies during her visit to the Newmarket Pony Academy on October 22nd, 2025.
She spent the day seeing firsthand how the academy is helping local children build confidence, resilience, and life skills through interaction with horses and ponies.
Part of the British Racing School, the academy caters to young people aged 8 to 14, giving them unique access to equine care and riding experiences.
Andrew Braithwaite, chief executive of the British Racing School, said, “We were incredibly honoured to welcome The Princess Royal to the Newmarket Pony Academy today.”
With her wealth of equestrian and Olympic experience, she praised the life-changing impact of horses and ponies noting how the academy helps young people in the community gain confidence and build resilience.
“As someone who fully appreciates the power of horses and ponies as an equestrian and Olympian, it was wonderful to be able to show how the academy is supporting young people and making riding and working with ponies accessible and exciting,” she said.
The Princess Royal added that her visit “shines a powerful spotlight on how horses can positively impact young people’s well-being, confidence, and social development, while also introducing them to the racing industry.”
Anne met pupils from The Pines Primary School in Bury St Edmunds participating in the academy’s primary school programme and spoke with students on the British Racing School’s Foundation Course, which paves the way for careers in the racing industry.
She also met Schematic, a retired racehorse owned by King Charles and Queen Camilla, now helping train young riders at the school.