Riding for the Disabled Association Goulburn returned to the Royal Easter Show this year for the first time since the association was first established in the 1980s.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Goulburn coach Jo Grove had been working closely with RDA (NSW) Mounted Games Committee, who were offered an opportunity to showcase RDA (NSW) to Princess Anne on the opening day of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Ms Grove said she jumped at the opportunity to take a Goulburn rider and was very grateful for the opportunity.
"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for RDA Goulburn and when such a monumental moment arises you need to embrace it," she said.
Ms Grove said it's not easy to find suitable horses and riders for an event like the Royal Easter Show.
"RDA horses become accustomed to their own environments, so finding a pony that will remain calm in the chaos of the Royal Easter is tricky," she said.
"A coach really needs to have faith in the pony."
Fortunately, Ms Grove was able to match a perfect pair, rider Kaitlyn Robinson with horse Robbi Sox.
Kaitlyn has been an active participant of RDA Goulburn for the past four years.
"I remember the first day she arrived at RDA Goulburn, she had the biggest smile and immediately fell in love with all of our therapy horses," Ms Grove said.
"Kaitlyn was an excellent candidate because she's so dedicated and passionate, she never misses an RDA day."
Kaitlyn's mother, Niki Albury said the whole experience was very exciting.
"I actually stood in the arena and received the princess, she shook my hand and was very genuine and sincere," Ms Albury said.
Princess Anne is the Patron of RDA UK, RDA NZ and RDA Australia.
"I told Kaitlyn that she would be performing in front of the princess about 10 minutes beforehand," Ms Albury said.
"After the showcase she said she knew she was a princess because of how beautiful she was."
The showcase aimed to demonstrate what goes on in a regular therapy session.
"We wanted to show what we do on a day to day basis, and how riding can really develop abilities," Ms Grove said.
"I'm so proud of Kaitlyn's performance, it's a really big deal to have all these cameras and media around, and then to have the confidence to mount and ride."
"She performed beautifully, it's been wonderful to watch her grow and to see her achieve.
"There were definitely some teary moments on the day, it was very emotional," she said.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a daily email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.
