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The Duchess of Cornwall visits Greenwich as Patron of the British Equestrian Federation
4th July 2011
The Duchess of Cornwall met British event riders on the first day of a test competition ahead of the Olympic Games.
As Patron of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), The Duchess attended a reception for competitors, owners and sponsors at the Greenwich venue in South-East London.
Her Royal Highness is a keen horsewoman and has many equine-related patronages such as the Marwari Horse Society and the Brooke Hospital for Animals, which works to improve the welfare of working horses and donkeys overseas.
The Duchess was joined by riders Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt and Piggy French who was in first place after the dressage event with her horse, DHI Topper W.
The competition is being held to trial the temporary equestrian facilities at Greenwich Park and will act as a fact-finding mission for the competing nations.
BEF Chief Executive Andrew Finding said: "It's fantastic for our sport to have such an active Patron and notable to see how positively all riders and officials reacted to her interest and enthusiasm.
"The presence of Her Royal Highness here tonight has set the seal of approval on Greenwich as an Olympic venue for 2012 which looks truly stunning in its preparation format today."
Further information
Find out more about The Duchess's interests