A Constantia riding school for those with disabilities had a royal visitor last week.

Princess Anne visited the South African Riding for the Disabled (Sarda) grounds, on Tuesday January 21, to witness the training and therapeutic horse-riding classes for persons living with disabilities from over 15 special needs schools.

The Princess Royal is known for her love of horses and is involved with riding-for-the-disabled organisations across the Commonwealth.

For more than 50 years, Sarda has served thousands of children and their families who experience many challenges, including severe physical and mental conditions.

Princess Anne was met by Premier Alan Winde, who introduced her to Steven Lukey, Sarda’s brand ambassador. He escorted her to meet with Sarda’s founder, chairperson and management before she toured the stables and watched children from the special needs schools across the province showing off their riding and motor skills.

“I was deeply touched by her calm and friendly manner, which made everyone feel so much at ease as if she were a close friend. It was a great privilege,” Mr Lukey said.

Princess Anne last visited South Africa in 2012 to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Her visit last week was as president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to unveil the Cape Town Labour Corps Memorial, which honours the contribution of South African military labourers of World War I.

On arrival, Princess Anne is greeted by Premier Alan Winde. Picture: Janice Matthews

Children from special needs schools across the province showed off their riding skills for Princess Anne. Picture: Supporting SARDA

Horse rider Joy Nkongo, from Molenbeek School, riding Bingo, says hello to Princess Anne. Picture: Supporting SARDA

Princess Anne receives a bouquet of flowers from Grace Harker, next to Zariah du Plessis, from Astra School, while Premier Alan Winde and Hannelie Janse van Rensburg, from Astra School, look on. Picture: Supporting Sarda

Sarda chairperson Hillary Lane and brand ambassador Steven Lukey speaking to Princess Anne and Premier Alan Winde. Picture: Janice Matthews

Premier Alan Winde escorts Princess Anne to a waiting vehicle as she ends her visit to Sarda’s grounds. Picture: Janice Matthews