LEADING medical staff were treated to a royal reception for the anniversary conference of a group that has been providing emergency cover at equestrian events for three decades.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was the guest of honour at the 30th anniversary conference of the Medical Equestrian Association on Saturday, November 21 at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester.

The anniversary conference was hosted by Swindon GP Dr Steve Pigott, the chairman of the Medical Equestrian Association, who welcomed The Princess Royal to the Associations 30th Anniversary Conference, held at the Royal Agricultural University.

DR Pigott said: “The conference was attended by members of the association - doctors who provide emergency medical cover at equestrian events - as well as representatives from the International Equestrian Federation, British Eventing, The Pony Club, the Point-to-Point Authority, the Saddle Research Trust and other equestrian bodies.”

The conference welcomed speakers included Dr Sue Smith, the chief medical officer at Cheltenham Racecourse and Dr Sue Dyson, head of Equine Clinical Orthopaedics at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket.

Christopher Bartle, the National Coach to the German Three Day Event Team also appeared at the conference along with Dr Matt Perry, medical adviser to football's Premier League who spoke about the role of doctors in sport.

A drinks reception and three course dinner followed at the university that evening.