The importance of rehoming horses gained a royal stamp of approval when the Princess Royal spoke out about the issue today (Thursday).

On her way to the Norfolk Show, Princess Anne flew into the World Horse Welfare at Snetterton where she launched Rehome a Horse Month.

Her Royal Highness, who was dressed in a yellow coat with a blue trim, blue skirt, white shirt and sunglasses, took time to chat to staff, visit the indoor riding school and see some of the horses currently being rehabilitated, and those ready for rehoming.

Addressing a crowd of dignitaries and staff, including Norfolk Constabulary's Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Wilkins, and chair of Norfolk County Council Shelagh Hutson, the Princess, who is president of the charity, spoke of the need to highlight the issue of horses in need of new homes.

'I'm always delighted to be able to visit the World Horse Welfare,' she said. 'I think it's always encouraging to see what's being done here and to see the impact of the horses who have had a pretty raw deal in their lives at some stage.

'The benefits, and we were talking about this earlier, are that given the number of really cheap horses being imported into the country with no background or passports, here you know where they come from.

'There is absolutely a need for more people to come forward to rehome these horses.'

World Horse Welfare has declared the month of July Rehome a Horse Month to draw attention to the benefits of rehoming over buying, and to encourage anyone who can to rehome a horse. Many of the charity's horses can be ridden horses, as well as companions.

Chief Executive Roly Owers added: 'One of the key mantras for us here is rehoming, rehoming, rehoming.

'This is not only to give the horses a good home away from the World Horse Welfare but to create space for the other horses who need help.'

To find our more about rehoming a horse visit the website at www.horsewelfare.org.