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Princess Anne adopts horse as she urges others to do the same

Princess Anne has revealed she adopted a horse called Annie this summer as she urged others to do the same.

The Princess Royal was speaking to Daybreak as she helped start World Horse Welfare’s rehoming campaign.

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Princess Anne has urged others to adopt a horse after she adopted Annie. Photo: ITV/Daybreak.

“I wanted a reliable horse that I could get on and off easily,” the royal explained. “Annie had a good temperament and I thought it was silly to look for something else when I’ve got the space here to rehome her.”

Speaking to the ITV breakfast show, the mother of Peter and Zara Phillips urged others to adopt horses from rescue centres.

“With rehoming, you know much more about the animal – that must be the biggest advantage because you have got people who have worked with them and had them for long enough.

“If you know what their physical limitations are, if there are any, if you know if they have any quirks, all of that is stuff you don’t normally get,” she added.

“Rehoming from a charity may be the best way of finding a horse because you know so much more about the animal you are getting.”

At the moment, it is estimated that 7,000 horses are at risk of being abandoned or neglect World Horse Welfare hopes the Princess’ example will lead others to adopt a horse.

“Once again our President HRH The Princess Royal has shown outstanding support by rehoming World Horse Welfare,” the organisation’s chief executive, Roly Owers explained. “Especially now that Britain is in the midst of a horse crisis.”

The Princess added: “I hope Annie enjoys it here with me. We will be doing some hacking and she will be helping me herd the sheep and cattle.”

photo credit: ed_needs_a_bicycle via photopin cc