HRH Princess Royal opens first phase of Wirral centre to combat colic

May 22 2009 Liverpool Daily Post

HRH Princess Royal opens first phase of Leahurst’s centre to combat colic

He said: "It's not just about wealthy people and their pleasure horses.

“There are over 100m working horses and donkeys around the world, and an important part of our mission is for the development in equine health care we bring about to filter through to the developing world, where horses and donkeys are still very much a part of people's livelihoods.”

Princess Anne was then introduced to fourth-year veterinary students, who learn their trade under the watchful eye of Leahurst's Washington-born veterinary surgeon, Ellen Singer.

One person who benefited directly from Ellen's expertise is Louise Fiennes, wife of explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

She was among the guests yesterday, and described the “loving care” her own horse, Cumbria Zarife, received when diagnosed with colic.

Mrs Fiennes said: “Leahurst is fantastic, both in respect of how it treats horses and successfully makes them well, and in terms of the rehabilitation after the operation.”

Her husband finally made it to Mount Everest’s summit on Tuesday evening, prompting her to remark: “He'll be very happy to have got that out of his system.”

Following a brief tour of the new facilities, Princess Anne unveiled the plaque and said: “It’s important knowledge is available to all those who treat animals.

“We all need to work as well as possible to increase the knowledge and make sure it’s available.”