TWO Manning Great Lakes Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) riders got a once in a life time opportunity when they met the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, at the Mounted Unit in Redfern.
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Mikaela Worth and Lillian Rowsell, were one of six riders from RDA in Australia to meet the royal couple on their Australian tour, with four taking part in a riding display and two meeting them at Government House.
Also taking part in the royal experience was Manning Great Lakes RDA coach and RDA state president Marg Lewis, coach Maureen Turner, founder of the Manning Great Lakes RDA Jeff Patterson, owner of the Manning Great Lakes RDA property Jo Correl, horses Turbo and Scooter and their owners Fran and Maureen. Guests were Mikaela's parents Michele and Peter Worth and Lillian's parents Chris and Andrea Rowsell, and Lillian's grandmother Sheila Glennon.
"RDA (NSW) was invited by the Mounted Police division and at the request of Prince Charles and the Governor of NSW who is the patron of RDA (NSW)," explained Marg Lewis.
The Mounted Unit, which celebrated its 190-year anniversary in September this year, performed demonstrations for their royal highnesses, before a combined display with Riding for the Disabled Association members.
As part of the display a presentation was given which highlighted the limitations each rider experiences in movement and mobility, and the changes that occur when they ride and how much movement is created in the riders body by the movement of the horse.
"We also talked about the adaptive tack some riders use in order to increase their independence when riding," explained Marg.
A race took place between the Mounted Police Division and the RDA riders, with Lillian achieving a win.
After the display the royal couple walked along the line shaking hands and engaging with the riders.
According to Chris Rowsell, Lillian's father, and her side walker on the day, Charles tried to talk to Lillian, but Chris explained she is non-verbal. However, as Lillian's mother Andrea explains Lillian gets happy and vocal when she is riding, and did a bit of a song for Charles.
"She knew something pretty special was happening," said Andrea.
"He was very approachable and keen to interact with both myself and Lillian," added Chris.
Chris explained the benefits of riding for Lillian to the prince, such as strengthening her core, hips and pelvis, which improves her walking.
For the RDA riders and guests, they had to keep the utmost secrecy around the special visit, with a rehearsal taking place a month prior to the visit.
According to rider Mikaela the experience didn't feel real until they started undergoing the security measures.
Mikaela said it was "a very surreal experience" however she wasn't nervous because she knew what she had to do with her horse.
"I'd never seen so many cameras before!" exclaimed Mikaela.
Being the state president of RDA Marg Lewis, got to engage with the couple at the Mounting Unit and Government House.
"[Charles] talked about the horses and the teams and the wonderful spirit of enjoyment volunteering that he said was so evident," said Marg.
"Camilla commented that the Australian horses didn't appear to like "polo lollies" (small mints), the British horses love them apparently. We suggested carrots and apples might be better."
At Government House, Charles recognised Marg from earlier and commented he could see the independence each rider gained when they got on the horse.
"It was an amazing experience for all involved," commented Marg.