Leyburn author Hannah Russell was presented with an award by Princess Anne this week to mark her work with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
The Long Term Service Award was for Hannah’s outstanding contribution of raising awareness of the RDA.
Princess Anne, who is president of the charity, visited the Bedale RDA group, which is based at Catterick Saddle Club, on Wednesday, as part of the group’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
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Hannah, 20, has written four children’s books about her horse Alf, who also stars in his own on-line magazine.
Hannah said Alf was well-behaved when meeting royalty, although he did take the award from Princess Anne with his mouth.
She added: “It was an absolute honour to meet HRH Princess Ann and receive an award.
“I would never have imagined I would one day be receiving special recognition with Little Alf.
“I was incredibly proud of Alfie and how well he behaved on the day.
“I love raising awareness for the RDA with Little Alf and look forward to spreading the word about the Riding for the Disabled Association in the future.
“The award is now situated in our office in a special cabinet and I will continue to look at it as a day I will never forget.”
