A delighted Hannah said:
“It was a big shock to be chosen. It felt surreal!”
None of the riders left empty handed, as all ten were presented with hats from Champion Headwear and family tickets to Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Mary Tuckett, Chairman of The Pony Club, said:
“The Pony Club was greatly honoured to be involved with the celebration of HM The Queen’s 90th Birthday at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, marking not only her birthday but her life-long passion for horses and her contribution to the equestrian industry.”
Hannah took to Royal Windsor’s spectacular Castle Arena each night alongside Kinvara Garner, who was selected to pair up with Hannah by representatives from Windsor, dressed in tweed jackets and period style jodphurs with flared thighs and hips. The Princesses also donned dark coloured wigs to perform a mock riding lesson under the guidance of Pony Club stalwart Hilary Wakefield, who played the part of instructor Sybil Smith; Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret’s childhood riding instructor.
The celebration, which included over 900 horses and more than 1,500 participants from all over the world, took the audience through The Queen’s extraordinary life; from the excitement of her birth, through to World War Two, her marriage, the coronation and a reign of more than 60 years.
As well as playing the part of a young Princess, Hannah was invited to a Reception at Windsor Castle where she was introduced to The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and TV personalities Ant and Dec.
Sporty Hannah, who also enjoys netball, athletics, hockey and swimming, said:
“The Reception was an amazing experience and a real privilege.”
Hannah went on to thank her mum, dad and sister Abby for their support and her much-loved pony Kit for being ‘one in a million.’ Hannah also thanked her instructor Charlotte Jackson and her Pony Club District Commissioner Alison Hargreaves who supported her Search for a Princess competition application.
