THE DUCHESS of Edinburgh visited an equine-assisted therapy centre on her tour of Wiltshire yesterday. 

Her Royal Highness also visited  Salisbury for the unveiling of a special plaque honouring inter-faith communities.

Gul Outdoor Therapy, which has been in business since 2006, was the first stop on the Duchess’ tour, with her helicopter touching down on the grounds of the centre at approximately 10.30am on Thursday, September 14.

It was the centre’s first-ever Royal visit in its 17 years of operation.

The centre exists to help both children and adults with various challenges in mental well-being, such as anxiety, ADHD, behavioural problems, and family breakdowns. The centre also provides therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder.

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The Duchess spent an hour at the centre, chatting with schoolchildren from Shrewton CE Primary School and meeting the equines, including two Balmoral ponies, one of whom, William, she has ridden at Balmoral herself before.

James Dwyer, operations director at Gul Outdoor Therapy, said: “She loved meeting the horses and was very knowledgeable about them and told several funny anecdotes about rides she had on William, who is one of our ponies, when she was up at Balmoral. She took the time to speak to all the staff and engage with all our beneficiaries and was just a lovely, engaging person.”

Maria Pogson, one of the individuals who receives therapy at the centre, said: “The Duchess spent ages talking with me and asking how the horses have helped me. I explained that my favourite horse, Fluffy, has made such a massive difference to my life and how I now feel about the world. She clearly understood the challenges I have faced and how being around horses and nature can help with people’s personal struggles.”

Gul Outdoor Therapy was the only venue during the tour to which the Duchess arrived by helicopter. She continued on to her other visits by car.