Sun Shines on Royal Opening Official opening of the new ILPH Equine Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre on Monday 23rd June at Hall Farm, Snetterton, Norfolk

After torrential rain Sunday night and Monday morning the sun broke through just in time to welcome HRH The Princess Royal when she arrived at the new ILPH Hall Farm, at Snetterton,Norfolk.

Her Royal Highness, as the charity's President, had come to officially open the new Centre, tour the purpose built facilities, meet staff and chat to well-wishers.

Recent security breaches elsewhere had obviously not fased the Princess - appearing relaxed and happy as she walked around talking to grooms and horses alike. ILPH Bob the Cob managed to trigger a smile and a quick retort from the royal visitor when he showed a rather greedy interest in the royal posy of yellow flowers.

After refreshments the Princess unveiled a commemorative plaque saying, "The facilities and opportunities it provides for those animals which come to the ILPH in very great need are exactly what we want. I wish we thought this wasn't necessary, but it continues to be necessary.

"It has included a human part, in terms of education in the responsibilities of caring for horses and ponies and how not to go down the road where animals become welfare cases.

"With a little bit of knowledge and care we can make a real difference, and these facilities will allow us to do that even better."

In 2001 the ILPH Council took the decision to rationalize the ILPH Norfolk operations in order to save money over the long term and to update and improve facilities in the short term. This process involved the sale of Overa House Farm at Larling and the development of the Hall Farm site.
Works started in May 2002, and involved the construction of a brand new purpose built Visitors' Centre comprising a gift shop, café and a lecture room/viewing gallery looking down onto a new covered riding arena.

The Centre also has a purpose built veterinary box, as well a s a farrier and recovery boxes and added stabling with the construction of an American barn providing 29 extra loose boxes. A washdown room, hay and straw barn, pony corrals and a crew yard, staff rest room, residential accommodation, offices for the Centre Manager and his supervisor complete the picture.

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