The Queen will attend Mars Badminton Horse Trials on Friday (8 May) in her role as patron of the Ebony Horse Club, the event’s chosen charity this year.

The Ebony Horse Club, founded in 1996, is a community stables in Brixton, London, which aims to use horses to transform the lives of young people from disadvantaged communities. The charity offers training and career opportunities and cultivates life skills in its beneficiaries, giving them the responsibility of caring for an animal.

The charity’s stand at Badminton is at number 253 Beaufort Way, and the cross-country fence carrying its name, a double of gates on one stride called the Ebony Horse Club Gates, is number 5ab on the five-star cross-country course.

The day The Queen is visiting Badminton Horse Trials, Friday, is the second day of dressage.

Badminton final scores

As favourites and defending champions Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo are currently set to be the 38th pair to start from a field of 65, pending final withdrawals (see the full list of remaining Badminton entries), it’s likely Ros will be one of the first into the dressage arena on this day – so The Queen will have to arrive promptly if she wants to catch what may well be the best dressage test of the day.

Following the withdrawal of second favourites Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent yesterday, data analytics experts EquiRatings give Ros and “Walter” a 38% win chance; Bubby Upton and her stalwart Cola are now second in the prediction centre with an 11% win chance.

How to watch and listen to Badminton Horse Trials

To watch Badminton Horse Trials live or via catch-up, including the trot-ups, from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world, you need a 2026 Badminton TV Pass. Badminton TV is once again powered by ClipMyHorse.TV, but you do not need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch – you can just subscribe to Badminton TV for £22.99. Go to badminton-horse.tv to sign up. If you are already a ClipMyHorse.TV premium member, Badminton TV is included in your subscription. Also check out the Badminton app, which provides free live results and much more this year. Sign up for Badminton Plus membership for £4.99 to access the live Radio Badminton broadcast and receive exclusive offers from on-site exhibitors. Search for Badminton Horse Trials in your app store.

Enjoy the best of Badminton with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind-the-scenes insight and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 28-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 14 May.

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Horse & Hound’s exclusive Badminton 2026 form guide, featuring every horse and rider

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials live from anywhere in the world

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*Exclusive* ‘Competitors will have to dig deep’: watch William Fox-Pitt walk key cross-country fences ahead of Badminton

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On 21 April 2026, it would have been the late Queen’s 100th birthday. From toy horses in the nursery to her first Shetland pony, Peggy, Queen Elizabeth II’s passion for equestrianism began almost as soon as she could walk.

Throughout her 70-year-reign, it was duty first, family second and horses a very close third. There is almost no equestrian sphere that did not enthral Her Majesty. As a consequence, her impact was felt far and wide, from Epsom to Badminton, from Cleveland Bays to Fells, from breeding her own private hacks to a European eventing champion to multiple Group One winners.

Driven by her encyclopaedic knowledge of many aspects of the horse world, The Queen was never a stickler for tradition when it came to progress. Whether it was her fascination with Monty Roberts’ join-up practices or latching onto the superiority of organised sport horse breeding on the Continent, she was always ahead of her time.

“If someone invents something new with a horse, you name it, The Queen will try it,” said Lieutenant Colonel Sir John Miller, then Crown Equerry.

She was an equestrian icon and a beacon for the horse world. But she was also the matriarch of a family that shared her passion and perpetuated it for those less fortunate, including dozens of equine charities.

As the late Dorian Williams, the 20th century’s voice of showjumping, summed up: “It is the particular good fortune of us in the horse world that it is those sports associated with horses that gives Her Majesty the most pleasure. We are the lucky ones.”

And so, in celebration of what would have been the late Queen’s 100th birthday, we celebrate a snapshot of her life in horses.

The early years: the young princess

Queen Elizabeth: family time

In the saddle

Racing interests

For the love of the horse

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news in the equestrian world throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

If you liked this article, you may also enjoy reading…

The Queen’s favourite horses – 8 riding horses and 5 racehorses #H&HArchives

Meet the royal family’s first ponies through the generations

‘Love from Elizabeth’: handwritten note and horse drawings by The late Queen as a child come to light

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Princess Margaret’s bespoke riding boots sold for nearly £7,000 as a private collection was auctioned for £270,000, nearly three times its pre-sale estimate.

The brown leather boots, which were made by royal equestrian bootmakers Maxwell of London and had an estimate of between £300 and £500, were knocked down for £6,930, at the Dreweatts sale on Tuesday (9 April).

Joe Robinson, head of house sales and collections at Dreweatts, said: “We are delighted with the result of the auction of the private collection of Serena, Countess of Snowdon. We saw competitive bidding from around the world for works connected to the royal family and those supplied by many of the UK’s renowned design figures and companies, such as Hugh Henry, David Mlinaric, Robert Kime and Rita Konig. This high demand for works of exceptional provenance resulted in a 95% sell rate and as a result the sale far exceeded its total estimate.”

The riding boots were a highlight of the sale; the blocks were stamped HRH Princess Margaret, and they came with cases, boot pulls and riding whips. The princess rode from childhood, along with her older sister The late Queen.

Other royal items in the sale included a watercolour and pencil picture of the ancient wooden coronation chair, commissioned in 1926 by Edward I and on which British monarchs sit during their coronations. This had an estimate of between £100 and £150 but sold for £1,512. A decorative boomerang curtain commissioned by Lady Cutler, the wife of the governor of New South Wales Sir Roden Cutler, for Princess Margaret sold for over double its estimate, £2,142 compared to £800-£1,200.

Mr Robinson said: “Dreweatts is pleased to have had the honour of being entrusted with finding these items new homes. The last few years has seen a renewed interest in iconic figures, thanks to television programmes such as The Crown. This has further added to the mystique and public perception of people like Princess Margaret, who are appreciated for their sense of style, forthright manner and contribution to public life.”

You might also be interested in:

‘Royals, top competitors and famous people all wanted his boots’: farewell to celebrated bootmaker

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Queen Elizabeth II may have be the most famous, admired and garlanded person on the planet, but nothing brought out her widest smile quite like the simple pleasure she took in spending time with horses. Whether breeding elite thoroughbreds for the racetrack, visiting the ceremonial horses in the Royal Mews, or enjoying the range of breeds in which she was so invested, horses of all shapes and sizes was her passion.

During this time of quiet reflection, here is a selection of just some of the moments throughout The Queen’s special life with horses, in 25 pictures:

Birthday girl: Princess Elizabeth photographed with a pony in Windsor Great Park to mark her 13th birthday, on 21 April 1939

A family hack: The Queen (second from right) rides out with two of her children, Princess Anne (far left) and Prince Charles (foreground), in 1956

The two sisters: Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth with a pony and cart at Windsor in 1944, when the future Queen was 18

The future Queen, aged 20, cuts an elegant figure on one of her riding horses – she continued to ride for pleasure, and on ceremonial parade, throughout her lifetime

The Queen on her grey horse Surprise, followed by Lt-Col Dawnay leading members of her house party to the entrance of Ascot racecourse in 1961

Eight years later, in 1969, The Queen, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones with a group of others on their way to the racecourse at Ascot. The Queen used to hold a house party at Windsor during the Royal meeting, and her guests would ride along the racecourse before racing began in the afternoon

Support on the sidelines: The Queen and Prince Philip chat before a polo match at Windsor in 1956, accompanied by Prince Charles and Princess Anne

The Queen leads in her filly Carrozza, ridden by Lester Piggott, after she won The Oaks in 1957, the year The Queen became champion owner

And again on the racecourse before Royal Ascot, in 1956. One year, The Queen narrowly avoided a serious accident when she was galloping along the track. The starting tape was down, and she skilfully ducked just at the last minute to avert disaster

May 1971: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on horseback in Windsor Great Park, stopping for a chat. Their son Prince Edward is on the right

The Queen holds her husband’s polo pony during a break in a match for which he is acting as one of the mounted umpires. The Queen was a big supporter of Prince Philip’s polo career, breeding polo ponies – including one which ended up as Princess Anne’s premier event horse, Doublet

The Queen aboard Burmese in the Trooping of the Colour parade. Burmese was a mare gifted to The Queen by the Canadian mounted police, and she went on to enjoy riding her in parades for 18 consecutive years until 1986. Many years later, The Queen was given a replica rocking horse of Burmese, whom she listed as one of her favourite horses

The Queen, Prince Charles, Prince Philip and Princess Anne with the children’s ponies. Princess Anne would go on to become European champion in eventing, while Charles played polo at a high level as well as riding in races as an amateur jockey

Princess Anne out for a hack with her mother The Queen on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, in 1979

The Queen enjoys a quiet moment out hacking out on the Balmoral estate in her signature headscarf, in 1982

From private ponies to major public moments, horses play their part: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip drive past Buckingham Palace in the state coach, during her Silver Jubilee, 1977

The Queen behind the camera: she enjoyed watching and capturing her horses in action as well as riding and being around them herself

A doting grandmother: The Queen with Prince William and Prince Harry watching a polo match in the Royal Box at Guards Polo Club, Smiths Lawn

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh set out from Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach for a ceremonial procession to St Paul’s Cathedral as part of the celebrations marking The Queen’s Golden Jubilee in June 2002

A slice of history: the moment The Queen won the Ascot Gold Cup with Estimate in 2013, the first time a reigning monarch had landed this prestigious race

The Queen showing her delight in watching her Highland pony Balmoral Gemini compete at Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2014

The Queen patting her Highland pony Balmoral Melody at Royal Windsor in 2007 in Windsor. Balmoral Melody was the overall in-hand champion and went on to produce this year’s supreme in-hand champion Balmoral Leia

The Queen paid a visit in 2011 to St John’s Wood Barracks (the final royal visit before the King’s Troop moved to Woolwich), to meet Harlequin, the horse she gave to the King’s Troop

The Queen riding out in Windsor Great Park. Since her 80s she chose to ride ponies over horses – “closer to the ground”, according to stud groom Terry Pendry. However, she continued riding well into her 90s

The Queen pictured at Windsor in 2022 with two of her favourites – Fell ponies Bybeck Katie and Bybeck Nightingale. This photo was released to mark The Queen’s 96th birthday

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During her seven decades on the throne, the effect of The Queen’s love of horses has extended not only to her family, but to the equestrian world at large, says Horse & Hound’s former Editor Michael Clayton, in this exclusive article first published in Horse & Hound on 10 June 2021

FROM early childhood our Queen was a horse-lover, but no one could have foreseen the immense contribution she would make to all our riding sports.

Everyone who shares The Queen’s passion for horses is in her debt, none more so than my generation, who were brought up during the deprivations of World War II. It was by no means guaranteed that equestrianism in Britain would blossom in the early post-war years of economic austerity. The lead given by the royal family was a crucial factor in the huge growth of riding as a widely popular sport.

We saw Princess Elizabeth, a stylish figure, as a consummate horsewoman in public, when she appeared riding side-saddle in a dark blue habit, at the 1947 Trooping the Colour ceremony, the first since the war.

It was an annual duty she has fulfilled ever since, arriving by horse-drawn carriage from 1987. There was always an element of risk in this parade, emphasised in 1981 when a youth fired blank shots near The Queen, who rode on coolly on her horse Burmese, a black mare who carried her for 17 consecutive years on ceremonial parades.

Her marriage in 1947 to the Duke of Edinburgh brought to the nation a level of glamour and excitement which defeated the greyness of that time. Princess Elizabeth received a filly, Astrakhan, as a wedding present from the Aga Khan, and soon registered her own colours: scarlet, purple hooped sleeves, black cap.

Since her teens, the heir to the throne shared the close interest of her father, King George VI, in thoroughbred breeding and racing, but the wider horse world would also benefit from the future Queen’s patronage. Nearly every major equestrian activity would involve at least one member of The Queen’s close family as breeder, owner, or competitor.

DURING conversations over lunch at Sandown Park before the Horse & Hound Grand Military Gold Cup, of which she was patron, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother recalled to me something of the late King George’s passion for riding and hunting: “They were such happy, carefree days,” she said with a glowing smile.

Our Queen inherited her love of horses and country life from both her parents. As well as a recreation, equestrianism is an important royal tradition, going back to the monarchy’s reliance on horsepower in ceremony and war.

The future King George VI won a pre-war reputation as the most polished horseman of the royal brothers, on the polo ground and in the hunting field. As Duke of York he took a hunting box with his family at Naseby in the Pytchley country for several seasons in the 1930s. In 1931 Princess Elizabeth, aged five, rode a pony to see the Pytchley’s huntsman, Frank Freeman, hunting hounds for the last time. As Freeman’s fox went away from covert the Princess was watching on her pony nearby, held by a groom standing next to the Queen Mother. The scene was captured in a painting by the artist Lionel Edwards.

Princess Elizabeth started riding lessons that year with Henry Owen, groom at White Lodge, Richmond Park, and in 1938 she received more training as a rider from Horace Smith who had a yard at Holyport, Berkshire. His daughter Sybil later gave Prince Charles and Princess Anne their first riding lessons.

Princess Anne remembered later: “We were both on a leading rein, and we were towed around a cinder ring, never faster than a trot… I thought it was a most grisly waste of time.”

During the height of the war, in 1943, Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret appeared at a local show in aid of Windsor Wings for Victory Week. It was so relaxed that a runaway lurcher stole a chicken from the caterer’s tent, and sat chewing it under the King’s chair.

Princess Elizabeth proved she could drive as well as ride. With her sister as passenger, she competed in the single private driving turnout class with a Norwegian pony called Hans. The future Queen won the cup, and Princess Margaret drove a Fell pony, Windsor Gypsy, to win a trophy in the utility driving class.

The wartime fixture was the forerunner of the magnificent annual Royal Windsor Horse Show, and an example of the thread of continuity in The Queen’s interest in horses.

Racing provided an excellent opportunity to learn horsemanship through watching her father’s horses in training. Although Flat racing was to be The Queen’s main interest, her first victory was in a steeplechase at a Fontwell Park National Hunt meeting where her new colours were carried to victory by Monaveen, jointly owned with the Queen Mother, and trained by Peter Cazalet.

The Queen supported her mother’s involvement in National Hunt, sharing her triumphs and disappointments, the worst being her runner Devon Loch’s collapse when in the lead of the 1956 Grand National.

I have never seen The Queen happier on a racecourse than when she presented the 1986 Horse & Hound Grand Military Gold Cup to the Queen Mother after the third victory of her horse Special Cargo, well ridden by Gerald Oxley, despite a broken stirrup.

It is part of racing legend that on the morning of her coronation in 1953 The Queen was asked beforehand by a lady-in-waiting if all was well, and replied: “Oh yes, the Captain has rung to say Aureole is really well.”

Four days later, her colt Aureole, ridden by Harry Carr and trained by Captain Sir Cecil Boyd Rochfort, was beaten into second place in the Derby by Pinza. Since then The Queen’s horses have won the other Classics, but a Derby victory is still wanting.

With Lord Porchester as her general racing manager, and Sir Michael Oswald in charge of the bloodstock breeding side, The Queen’s involvement in thoroughbred breeding was intensified. She has a profound knowledge of thoroughbred pedigrees, and her expertise extends far more widely: she has successfully bred polo ponies for Prince Charles, eventers for Princess Anne, carriage horses for Prince Philip, plus Highland, Fell and Haflinger ponies, Arab horses…even a project to produce drum horses for the Household Cavalry.

THE Queen was a keen horsey mother, too. She is in the unique position of being the mother of a European eventing champion in Princess Anne, and grandmother to a European and world eventing champion in Zara Tindall.

Princess Anne’s heavy fall with her horse Goodwill in the 1976 Montreal Olympics three-day event was no laughing matter. The Queen and Prince Philip were present, and I remember them racing round to see if she was all right. The Princess was pretty much unconscious, but remounted and completed the course for the sake of the British team. It was a brave effort because she said afterwards she could remember nothing more of the ride.

We are used to seeing The Queen as a nonagenarian riding sedate horses on exercise in Windsor Great Park, but I recall her as a young woman galloping with great zest on Ascot racecourse. She made these excursions with relatives and friends in her Windsor Castle house party on the mornings before racing. As a press correspondent I reported a hazardous occasion when the royal party galloped under the taut wires of the old-style starting “tapes”. The Queen only just ducked her head in time to avoid what could have been a dreadful fall.

As an experienced, natural horsewoman, The Queen is well aware of the risks, but she has persisted in riding hatless on her private hacks. It was not the custom to wear protective headgear, nor was it readily available, during The Queen’s early life, and her unwillingness to abandon this practice has been respected as a royal prerogative in a long life in which private riding has been such a valuable respite from her demanding public schedule.

When the Prince took up steeplechasing, I recall The Queen admitting to feeling “very nervous” before the 1981 Horse & Hound Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown Park. Prince Charles was riding his new horse Good Prospect in the race, falling at the 18th fence.

The Queen said very little, but there was a palpable sense of relief in the royal box when Charles regained his feet. The Prince’s determination was demonstrated when he rode the same horse the following week in the Kim Muir race at Cheltenham, and survived another fall. He had several wins in lesser chases, and was a bold rider in team chasing.

WHEN The Queen and Prince Philip visited our company’s range of magazines in 1978, then produced at King’s Reach Tower in Stamford Street, next to the Thames, Horse & Hound’s editorial office was the first port of call. In those days, the magazine was published on Fridays, and a royal carriage would come to the offices on Thursday to collect three copies for Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately the antis picked up on this, and Special Branch discovered that they were planning to kidnap the horse and carriage, so we quietly switched to couriering the copies by car.

Around that time, I was mortified by what I call “Horse & Hound’s greatest mistake”. I was invited to tea at Windsor Great Park for a polo cup we sponsored, and she asked me what had happened that week in H&H.

She was referring to a picture we had printed of her riding in a parade, but someone in the production team had inadvertently reversed the picture so her legs were on the wrong side of the horse. I was furious despite not receiving a single letter of complaint, but of course The Queen had noticed. I sent her the original, correct, proof in a frame and she was very good about it.

The Queen’s concern for horse welfare has been another major element in her equestrian life. As patron of the British Horse Society The Queen takes considerable interest in its welfare activities.

Welfare was an element in her decision to invite the innovative American trainer Monty Roberts to display his method of introducing unbroken horses to being saddled and ridden in one session. I was among guests invited to Windsor Castle for this demonstration, where The Queen told me she thought his methods were “marvellous”.

“I have seen an awful lot of ropes and straps being used in the old methods of breaking in a horse,” she said – and some home-bred royal horses were later “entered” to riding by Monty.

Apart from a great deal of fun, what else has horsemanship conferred upon the royals? Prince Philip pointed out the character-forming benefits of riding, as originally expressed by the Elizabethan dramatist Ben Jonson: “Princes learn no art truly, but the art of horsemanship. The reason is, the brave beast is no flatterer. He will throw a prince as soon as his groom.”

The “great leveller” was Prince Philip’s perceptive description of the horse. He wrote in an article for Horse & Hound’s 27 May 1977 issue, celebrating the Silver Jubilee: “Having a family which seems to be equally willing to be humiliated by the horse, I have to live with the expectation that they too will suffer injury and indignity.

“The only advantage of the personal experience of this sort of thing is that I am not surprised when it happens to them, and I am full of sympathy and useful advice for treatment and recovery.”

Prince Philip continued to drive a carriage well into his late nineties. Our Queen is still riding as a recreation – long may she continue to do so.

• This feature was first published in Horse & Hound magazine, Thursday 10 June 2021

A horse who became “popular” with The Queen and served in the Royal Mews as a carriage horse for 15 years has retired.

The Horse Trust recently welcomed 20-year-old Windsor grey gelding Storm, who the charity has described as “somewhat of a celebrity”.

Storm will enjoy his retirement with his former equine colleague and fellow Windsor grey Daniel. The pair pulled The Queen’s carriage for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

“Storm, along with Daniel, were so popular with Her Majesty that a life-size statue of them was commissioned in 2013 and unveiled in Windsor to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee,” said a Horse Trust spokesman.

“The giant artwork was created by sculptor Robert Rattray and can be seen today on the Long Walk. It’s a wonderful way to recognise these two magnificent horses who now reside with us.”

Storm’s other duties included pulling carriages for other members of the royal family and he attended events including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, state visits, and Royal Ascot.

He also joins former stablemate and Horse Trust resident Windsor grey Claudia, who retired from ceremonial duties in 2019.

“It’s lovely that Storm has so many connections to our current residents and we can’t wait to see them all together,” said the spokesman.

“All Royal Mews horses are owned by the public rather than The Queen which is why they retire to us. He has been described as bombproof, perhaps the ultimate compliment to any serving horse, meaning he wasn’t afraid of anything and was incredibly reliable,” said the Horse Trust spokesman.

“He has also been described as strong but very soft and kind in nature and we’re sure he will prove just as popular with our team and supporters as he was with Her Majesty.”

You might also be interested in:

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Queen is pictured riding a horse on the newly launched Platinum Jubilee commemorative coin collection.

The image is a nod to the equestrian designs created in honour of the 1953 coronation and 2002 Golden Jubilee.

The design, by John Bergdahl and personally approved by Her Majesty, shows The Queen on horseback on the “heads” side of the 50p and £5 coins.

Horses have been central to The Queen’s life since childhood. She is pictured side-saddle in the commemorative design, reminiscent of her riding at the Trooping of the Colour as she did for many decades.

This is the first collectable UK 50p to celebrate a royal event and it will feature the number 70 along with The Queen’s cypher, designed by Osborne Ross, on the opposite side.

“The Platinum Jubilee is an historic occasion and one that is particularly special for the Royal Mint, as the original maker of British coins for 1,100 years,” said Clare Maclennan, divisional director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint.

“In celebration of this landmark event, the official Platinum Jubilee collection, including the new 50p and traditional £5 crown, features a unique commemorative design on both sides of the coin.

“Designed by esteemed artists and made with original craftsmanship, Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee coins are enduring pieces of art that will be collected, cherished and passed down for generations.”

The Royal Mint is gifting 7,000 coins to children who complete the jubilee edition of The Queen’s Green Canopy RFS Junior Forester Award.

Royal Mint museum historian Chris Barker added: “The Queen’s legacy on coins stretches the length of her momentous reign, with the Royal Mint striking five definitive portraits of Her Majesty on official UK coin and celebrating previous jubilees.

“The 1977 Silver Jubilee crown was the first major UK commemorative coin produced at the Royal Mint’s Llantrisant home, after the minting in London ceased in 1975. Roughly thirty-seven million coins were produced at that time, and thousands were gifted to children across the UK as a memento of the occasion.

“Today’s [6 January] launch marks another significant milestone, and the Royal Mint plays a proud part in the nationwide celebrations.”

The price for the commemorative coins starts at £7, and they are available in base and precious metals from the Royal Mint.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A “kind and gentle” mare who served in the Royal Mews alongside her daughter has been put down in retirement aged 25 as a result of an injury.

Windsor Grey Cloud retired to the Horse Trust in September 2018 following 12 years’ service, during which she pulled carriages for the Royal Family, and bred foals including her daughter Claudia, who later worked with her.

Cloud’s retirement was marked by a ceremony in the presence of Princess Anne, and 18-year-old Claudia joined her mother at the Horse Trust the following month.

“It was a truly beautiful moment when the pair were reunited in retirement and one we will never forget,” said a Horse Trust spokesman.

“Cloud and Claudia were often paired together when working as either outriders or the postilion team for The Queen’s carriage as they complemented and matched each other in looks and temperament so wonderfully. Cloud had a lovely character while serving and with us in her retirement. Due to her calm and gentle nature, as well as being so competent in her work, she was often used to help young horses at the Mews settle in and teach them while they were being trained in ceremonial duties.”

Cloud sustained a ligament injury in her hock while out in the field.

“The instability created by this injury resulted in severe pain for her which even our brilliant vet and equine care team were unable to control completely with painkillers. Our team did their absolute utmost to try to manage the pain and treat her injury, but ultimately, we were unable to keep Cloud comfortable,” the spokesman said.

“In addition to her hock injury, Cloud had been suffering from other age-related issues, which in the end aided the decision to put an end to her pain. We were absolutely devastated to make this decision, but we knew the kindest thing to do for this gorgeous girl was to say goodnight one last time.”

The spokesman said Cloud enjoyed cuddles and treats from her groom before she was put down.

“We are truly heartbroken to say farewell to this gentle and kind lady who has given so much as an equine civil servant to this country, before putting many a smile on the faces of the team and visitors at the Horse Trust,” he said.

“Cloud, you have been the most magnificent mare; you were kind, loving and incredibly gentle to all horses and humans who had the honour of meeting you. We are so grateful and proud to have given you three years of happiness in your retirement and we know you will be galloping free over the rainbow bridge, pain free. Sleep tight Cloud, you are missed so dearly and we will never, ever forget you.”

You might also be interested in:

Mother and daughter Windsor Greys who took part in Royal Wedding reunited

The mares who served the Royal Mews for a combined 26 years have met again at the Horse Trust

‘She’s the horse you’d always turn to’: Household Cavalry charger retires to join friends after 18-year career

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

From rocking horses to Shetlands and sturdy Pony Club steeds, horses infiltrate every aspect of a royal childhood, whether the Olympics beckons or a trot around Balmoral is the extent of their riders’ equestrian prowess, finds Madeleine Silver

WHEN The Queen’s childhood governess Marion Crawford first met a young Princess Elizabeth, she found “a small figure with a mop of curls sat up in bed”, who had tied the cords of her dressing gown to the knobs of the bed and was busy driving her team.

‘‘Do you usually drive in bed?” Marion remembered asking, in her 1950 book The Little Princesses, to which the princess replied: “I mostly go once or twice round the park before I go to sleep. It exercises my horses.”

The 30-odd toy horses that she had, each standing a foot high on wheels, had a strict stable routine; their grooming basket stood at the end of a long line of them, first at No. 145 Piccadilly, and later in the corridors of Buckingham Palace. Each night they had their saddles removed, and were attentively fed and watered. And after her and Princess Margaret’s annual trip to Olympia Horse Show with their parents, the toy horses would be put through several weeks of intensive training. On other occasions Princess Elizabeth would harness her nanny with a pair of red reins to set off on a fictional delivery round.

“I would be patted, given my nosebag, and jerked to a standstill, while Lilibet delivered imaginary groceries, and held long and intimate conversations with her make-believe customers,” wrote Marion. “Sometimes she would whisper to me, ‘Crawfie, you must pretend to be impatient. Paw the ground a bit.’ So, I would paw.”

And at Royal Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, where weekends were spent, two life-sized rocking horses were put outside the then Duke of York’s study, so he could hear his daughters riding while he worked.

WHEN Princess Elizabeth’s grandfather King George V gave her the diminutive Shetland Peggy when she was four years old, it was her first real taste of life in the saddle – and a place for her to channel the attentiveness she’d shown her toys. A photo from the 2014 exhibition Royal Childhood at the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace shows her proudly leading her younger sister aboard Peggy, with the bowler-hat clad groom Mr Henry Owen, who taught her to ride, in attendance.

“[Princess Elizabeth] liked me to come and watch her [riding lessons with Mr Owen],” wrote Marion. “Her first canter was a great day. I used to walk with the dogs, and it was pretty to hear her bell-like voice through the trees talking to Owen about burs, galls and girths.”

For all the stereotyping of Shetlands being comically naughty, they have continued to be the royal family’s choice of breed for a child’s debut in the saddle. It was Queen Victoria’s fondness for the breed that helped raise their profile in the 19th century, according to Anne, Countess De La Warr, president of the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society.

“It made them popular with other Victorian mothers,” she says. “They’re particularly good as a first pony, but also as what I call a family pony; if you have a trap or a cart, you can all go on family picnics with them. I have one friend whose pony is said to know his way to the pub.”

Flora and Alma, two Shetlands who were presented to Queen Victoria by King Victor Emmanuel of Italy, proved particularly popular with her grandchildren, and it’s a trend that Anne continues to see today.

“Grandmothers can have them in the field and when a child comes to visit, you can hoik them out and put a saddle on. They’re amazingly easy,” she says.

If it weren’t for the grand surroundings, BBC footage from 1992 of The Queen with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie riding Smokey at Balmoral could be any idyllic scene of a grandmother with her grandchildren.

As Anne explains, the best Shetlands tend to come via word of mouth and the royal family is no exception in following that ethos on the hunt for the perfect pony. Prince William learnt to ride on the pint-sized Smokey aged four; Llanerch Topaz, another that the future king was pictured on as a child taught the Princess Royal’s children to ride and it was reported that Zara Tindall provided a Shetland for Prince George to kick-start his riding.

WHILE these early rides are the grand sum of some royal family members’ foray into equestrianism, for others it is just the start. Aged two, Princess Anne was bundled aboard Fum, and although her memories of the Shetland are vague, the experience paved the way for a series of more memorable ponies that would lay the foundations for her Olympic eventing career.

Holidays as a child were spent at Sandringham, Windsor and Balmoral. Each offered a different terrain for Princess Anne to tackle on horseback, usually accompanied by her mother and older brother, and assisted by the groom, Frank Hatcher, who helped the children catch the ponies and brush them, and reminded them to pick out their feet.

“The miles of stubble fields around Sandringham were pure luxury by today’s standards of relatively restricted hacking,” she remembered in her 1991 equestrian autobiography Riding Through My Life, reminiscing about the “rides” which had been cleared for Queen Alexandra to be able to ride through the woods and all over the estate without getting her hat knocked off.

“The best ‘fun’ riding was at Balmoral: riverside paths, woodland paths, hill paths and the golf course. It was all right if you rode on the rough, but you were definitely not popular if you got ‘carted’ away with across the fairways.”

As for a young Princess Elizabeth, who won a driving class at the 1944 Royal Windsor Horse Show with her Norwegian pony Hans, Princess Anne’s initially modest competitive career started from Windsor, where most of her riding happened at weekends (although not on Sundays, which was the grooms’ day off).

She was a member of the Garth Hunt branch of the Pony Club – although she can count the number of rallies she went to on one hand.

“They were memorable for persuading me that gymkhana games were not my forte. The pony I had at the time was a 13.2hh called Bandit, who was charming and reliable in every way except that he refused to repeat himself. By that I mean that he would take part in one bending race, but tried very hard not to take part in the next,” Princess Anne wrote in her autobiography.

It was this same pony that knocked a young Prince Charles’s confidence when it came to jumping. On clearing one round the grey was known to “indulge in his well-known imitation of a horse rampant if asked to face up to round two,” remembered Princess Anne. Discovering hunting helped renew the Prince’s interest in jumping, and being introduced to polo by his father at the age of 13 was a world away from the tedious early lessons inflicted on him and his sister with Miss Sybil Smith at Holyport.

Princess Anne remembered: “Being put on a small, fat, white cob, on the end of a leading rein, one each side of a large, fat, white cob, ridden by Miss Smith, and being led, very sedately, around a cinder circle was not our idea of riding!”

Even with the abundant privilege, being royal couldn’t negate the calamities that accompany getting to grips with ponies. On holiday at Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother, a favourite expedition for Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret was to take the pony down to Glamis Station to watch the Aberdeen Fish Express go through.

“The pony was temperamental about trains, and the station master very kindly let us shut him up in the waiting room,” remembered governess Marion Crawford. “Unfortunately, one day when, as usual, we did this, the stationmaster had forgotten to warn us that he had put all his best chrysanthemums ready for the flower show in there. The pony ate the lot.”

A tumble came for Princess Anne when riding her bay 14.2hh Watersmeet High Jinks in from the field while leading another, and making an unplanned dismount on some hard cobbles. “Not for the first time he looked genuinely surprised at the antics of his erstwhile rider,” she wrote.

An earlier mount, Kirby Cane Greensleeves, left a lasting imprint on the Princess after the Welsh pony trod on her toe. “In that endearing way that ponies have, the more I shouted, the more I pushed and the more desperate I became, the harder she leaned,” she wrote.

And while the royal ponies might have nestled alongside horses reserved for pulling golden state carriages when they were stabled at Windsor Castle, it was often a refreshingly low-key existence. At Windsor, the ponies lived a distance from the Mews, so the children would take the tack down in the car, tack them up in the field and take them out from there.

“These were pretty rough, scruffy little objects,” remembered Princess Anne.

What was drummed into the children however by The Queen was that whatever went wrong, it was never the ponies’ fault. Along with Zara’s Pony Club grounding, this was a mantra that Princess Anne instilled in her own children, and one that seems likely to exist for the next generation.

“There is no doubt that the level of involvement required in equestrian sport teaches young people a great deal about life, especially that ‘life’ is not fair,” wrote Princess Anne. “Horses are no respecters of reputation or ego and certainly not of wealth, making them a challenge to everybody, whether looking after or riding them.”

This feature is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 10 June 2021

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Two police horses who have been the “backbone” of a force for a combined 24 years have retired from duty.

On 2 October, South Wales Police held a farewell gathering for 18-year-old Irish draught Rubin and 19-year-old part-bred Clydesdale horse Samson as they “closed the stable door” on their policing careers.

A spokesman for the force told H&H Samson, who has served for 10 years, will retire to the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire, while Rubin, who has been with the mounted unit for 14 years – and is the longest-serving horse the force has ever had – will retire to the Lluest Horse & Pony Trust in west Wales. The pair will this week make their way to their new homes, which have been selected based on their individual needs.

“They have worked tirelessly to help keep the public safe; from being part of the formal police escort at Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding in Windsor to being personally thanked by Ed Sheeran after policing his concert in Cardiff,” said the spokesman.

PC Rick Lewis said the pair had been the “absolute backbone” of the department.

“In Rubin’s career he’s done absolutely everything; school visits, community engagements, day-to-day patrols, major events – he’s done it all,” he said.

“Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding was a real special moment and typical Rubin thought all the crowds were just there to see him. As much as he can be a bit fussy on the ground, he loves attention and any big event we do he just loves people coming up to say hello.”

PC Sadie James described Samson as one of the boldest horses the force has had – and one of the quickest trained.

“After he was trained he was allocated to me for a number of years so we had a good bond between the two of us,” she said. “He helped the new horses learn the ropes and he was one of the lead horses we would use in any sort of public disorder situation. I think everybody on the yard is going to miss Samson, me especially.”

PC Lewis said Rubin and Samson are two horses that would “stand out and shine” in any mounted section.

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“Boys, your duty is done. Go and be horses,” he said.

The spokesman added everyone at the force wishes the pair “all the best” in their well-earned retirement.

“Thank you for your service Rubin and Samson,” he said.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Horse Trust has welcomed the arrival of a “mischievous” royal resident, who has retired to the charity.

Cleveland Bay Sheffield retired from the Royal Mews aged 10, owing to lameness issues.

A spokesman for the Horse Trust said the 16hh gelding was born at Hampton Court Palace and spent his working career as a carriage horse.

“As a young horse in training, Sheffield was a lot smaller than the others but that never held him back. He proved to be a little bay powerhouse when it came to driving and would always be seen pulling his carriage with enthusiasm and a smile on his face,” she said.

“Sheffield moved to Buckingham Palace as a five-year-old, where he became a regular on state occasions, participating in his first state visit after only three months in London.”

The gelding has been a part of many major ceremonies including Trooping the Colour, the state opening of parliament, Royal Ascot, and The Queen’s 90th birthday pageant.

“Sheffield was used regularly for training and teaching members of the mews the ropes of driving. Several of the staff perfected their driving skills with Sheffield, either as a single, a pair or in a team,’ she said.

“He also spent a season as the nanny for the young horses in training at Windsor. Although a model example of a royal carriage horse for the most part, he did not hesitate to show off his mischievous side!”

The spokesman added Sheffield was a “huge character” at the Royal Mews.

“He was blessed with a pair of fantastically large ears, which made him easy to spot anywhere,” she said.

“His enormous overreactions to the smallest puddles kept the team on their toes for many years, and not forgetting his ability to cover the ground like a racehorse, meaning he was everyone’s top choice to ride in the Great Park.”

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Matthew Powers, head coachman of the Royal Mews, said the gelding will be “missed by many” but is very deserving of his retirement at the Horse Trust.

“Sheffield’s time at the mews has not been as long as some horses’ but he has been such an enjoyable horse to have,” he said.

Horse Trust chief executive Jeanette Allen added: “Sheffield is a stunning boy with an impressive career of public service behind him. We can’t wait to get to know him better as he settles into retirement.”

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A new rare breed royal arrival has brought “sunshine into everyone’s life” at Hampton Court Palace.

On 10 June the palace welcomed a grey Shire colt, the first Shire foal to be born in London in living memory.

Andrew Liefooghe, director of Operation Centaur, the company that owns the Shires, told H&H the colt has been named Hampton Court George, after King George V, who was the last of the royal family to breed Shires, at the Royal Stud at Sandringham.

“We don’t normally breed because we are too busy with working the horses but we found a really good stamp of mare with George’s mum Bess, and the decision was made to put her in foal,” he said.

“We selected the stallion Double Trouble of the Landcliffe Stuff in Yorkshire. He was twice national champion and a very smart stallion, we thought we would get a very good foal, and we have.”

Andreas said George is already “taking after his dad”.

“There’s only 1,500 Shires left in the world, and less than 200 grey Shires so he’s a quite a special boy. He promises to be at least 18hh and he certainly knows he’s special,” he said.

“Everybody here at the palace is delighted, we couldn’t be happier and Bess has really taken to being a mother.”

George will make his public debut on 15 November at the palace’s annual Shire Horse Sunday event.

“It’s a very big day at the palace where we parade all the horses,” he said. “People can meet the Shires and this year we are expecting a lot of people to want to see George.

“The day is a magnificent spectacle. In 1540 Henry VIII’s created a law saying people should stop breeding with small horses because he wanted to create the big war horse, and now seeing these 18hh horses parade around the gardens makes you think Henry would have been pretty pleased.”

Andreas said the palace now has 10 Shires, including George, and they carry out various roles.

“They do the carriage work, are used to cut the grass and look after the wild flower meadows, and work in the royal parks carrying out harrowing and bracken rolling,” he said.

“We also use the Shires in equine assisted psychotherapy programmes for people with addiction and we’ve done work with anti-bullying campaigns for schools – they turn their hoof to many different things. The therapy work is good for the older Shires as they don’t tend to like retirement having always had a purpose in their life. They want to do something and are looking for that connection with people.”

Andreas said George will remain at the palace and once he is older will start his education towards becoming a carriage horse.

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“Everyone here is doting on him. After starting off shy now as soon as he sees people in the field he runs towards them and wants to make contact and play,” he said.

“After this period of lockdown he’s brought a bit of light and sunshine into everyone’s lives here and really cheered everybody up.”

For more information on Hampton Court Palace’s Shires visit www.operationcentaur.com.

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An equine mother and daughter with an unbreakable bond who served the Royal Mews for a combined 26 years have reunited in retirement.

The two Windsor Greys; 23-year-old Cloud and 18-year-old Claudia, who worked as lead outriders for occasions including The Queen’s golden jubilee and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s 2011 wedding, met again at the Horse Trust last month.

The charity’s chief executive Jeanette Allen told H&H Cloud retired to the charity in September 2018, and Claudia in October this year.

“They look almost identical expect for Claudia has a pinker nose. They were frequently paired together for duty as they matched each other in looks and temperament, ” she said.

“They were both known to be very good at settling down the younger horses on patrol and they led the Kuwait state visit in 2011. Cloud was also used as a daily messenger carrier, delivering post between palaces in London.”

Jeanette said Cloud, who served at the Royal Mews for 10 years and bred further foals after completing her ceremonial duties in 2014, and Claudia, who served for 16 years, are in good health but retired owing to mild intermittent lameness issues. The mares have joined other former Royal Mews horses including Daniel and Marfa, with whom they served at the Cambridges’ wedding.

“They’ve all been reunited; it’s lovely that they come here to retire because they get to meet again. It really touches you when you see they recognise each other,” she said.

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“They did the same training and job, but they’re very individual; Daniel and Marfa especially have big characters, Claudia is quite a clingy horse and Cloud is a bit more independent.”

Jeannette said it took some time for Claudia to settle into retirement as she did not bond with some of the other resident mares at first.

“At first Claudia was pushed out by some of the mares, until we put her with Cloud. Because there is an age difference we didn’t want them bonding too much in case something ever happened to Cloud, but it became very clear they needed to be together. They have a very special bond, seeing them together is adorable,” she said.

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The late voice of showjumping Dorian Williams once said: “It is the particular good fortune of us in the horse world that it is those sports associated with horses that gives Her Majesty most pleasure. This is something that we should never take for granted, for which we should never cease to be grateful. It is something in which all those directly or indirectly involved with horses are tempted to say ‘we are the lucky ones’.” But when it comes to the royals and horses are all your facts and figures in order? Put yourself to the test…

Don’t forget to share your result with us!

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It was a thoroughly horsey weekend for Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, as he took to the polo field on two consecutive days for the Audi Polo Challenge at Coworth Park, Berkshire (30 June-1 July).

He and brother Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, teamed up for the Audi e-tron team on Saturday afternoon, playing alongside England six-goaler Malcolm Borwick and top New Zealander John-Paul Clarkin.

Playing in the attacking number one position, Prince Harry, who holds a respectable one-goal handicap, proved a pivotal player in his team’s 5-2 victory over Audi Quattro, captained by top Canadian player Fred Mannix, and also featuring the world number one female player, Nina Clarkin. Prince Harry scored three goals, including the final clincher in the last chukka, while Prince William, also a one-goaler, added another to the scoreboard.

Prince Harry returned to Coworth Park the following day alongside Malcolm, Charlie Hanbury and Ollie Cudmore, just edging out their opposition, led by England captain James Beim. Seven-goaler Beim’s side put up a strong fight, but Prince Harry’s team managed to hold on to secure another victory, 4-3.

In true polo style, actor Eddie Redmayne was on hand to present Sunday’s prizes — do you think he fancies coming to some eventing next?

The Princes have long been supporters of the Audi Polo Challenge, now in its 17^th year and attended this year by actors Matt Smith, Naomi Harris, James Nesbitt and Vanessa Kirby, among many other famous faces. Money was raised for five charities across the weekend: Child Bereavement UK, Tusk Trust, The Gurkha Welfare Trust, Walking with the Wounded and the Household Cavalry Foundation. Over the past 16 years, the event has raised more than £2.5 million for various charities.

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It’s been a polo-filled summer for the princes already, with Prince William having triumphed in the Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy during the Beaufort Polo Club’s Gloucestershire Festival of Polo in early June, and Prince Harry having played alongside world number one Adolfo Cambiaso at British Polo Day on 27 June.

In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 28 June 2018, don’t miss our full report from the Hickstead Derby meeting, including all the showjumping and showing action, plus don’t miss our six-page report from Royal Ascot.

We also have a feature on the much discussed whip rules across the disciplines and in this week’s ‘Vet clinic’ we find out how to spot the signs of sand colic.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

When the newlywed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle travel through Windsor tomorrow (19 May 2018) the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will provide an escort. The world’s eyes will be on the horses as the royal wedding is broadcast globally — and final preparations are reaching fever pitch.

“It will be outstanding. It’s what Britain does best: flags, horses, armour, drums, music — and a castle,” says Corporal of Horse Frankie O’Leary, who will be part of the 26-strong travelling escort.

Prince Harry joined The Blues and Royals in April 2006 and served with the Household Cavalry Regiment, serving operationally in the frontline in Afghanistan and rising to the rank of Captain.

Several of those who trained and served with him will be supporting “Mr Wales” (as they knew him) on his wedding day, whether riding in the escort or as staircase liners on the steps of St George’s Chapel where the marriage service will take place.

Take a look at the final preparations taking place to ensure the impeccable standards for ceremonial duties are upheld in front of the world’s glare…

Musa Qala, named after a town in Afghanistan, is groomed

The uniform of the Blues and Royals, Prince Harry’s old unit, is ready to be worn

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State trumpeters parade wearing their gold braided uniforms which they will be wearing in Windsor tomorrow

Don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (17 May 2018) for our full feature about the horses taking part in tomorrow’s royal wedding

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A cheeky Shetland tried to nip Prince Harry’s hand as the royal visited Edinburgh today (Tuesday, 13 February).

The pony, Cpl Cruachan IV, met Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle as the couple made their first official joint visit to Scotland.

The Prince can be seen giving Cpl Cruachan a fond scratch as they are introduced at Edinburgh Castle, before turning to talk to the Shetland’s handler.

As he does so, he leaves a hand outstretched and the naughty Shetland can’t resist taking a sneaky swipe at his fingers.

Ms Markle can’t contain her laughter as Prince Harry gives the pony a scratch on his nose in return.

The Shetland is the regimental mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. He took over from the retiring Cruachan III in 2012 and has met with a number of royals and VIPs during his service.

His name — Cruachan— comes from the war cry of Clan Campbell and he leads the regiment on parade on formal occasions and represents the regiment at events across Scotland.

He leads the regiment on parade on formal occasions and represents the regiment at events across Scotland.

Article continues below…

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He leads the regiment on parade on formal occasions and represents the regiment at events across Scotland.

While taking part in his many engagements, the pony is — almost — always on his best behaviour.

However, Cpl Cruachan IV has form when it comes to nibbling royals — in July 2017 he took a swipe at a bunch of flowers held by The Queen as she visited Stirling Castle.

“I love the fact Her Majesty The Queen always brings me a treat,” he tweeted after the visit.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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The cheeky Shetland pony who tried to nibble The Queen’s flowers during a recent royal visit has met Her Majesty again this week.

LCpl Cruachan IV, the regimental mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, was on his — almost — best behaviour this time.

The Shetland joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to welcome The Queen to Balmoral Castle for her annual holiday on 7 August.

However, keen to be the centre of attention, the mischievous pony reportedly let out a loud whinny after Her Majesty had finished inspecting troops and was walking away.

The Queen is said to have replied: “Oh we know where you are!”

The pony hit headlines in July after taking a well-timed swipe at a bouquet The Queen had been given as she arrived for mass at Stirling Castle.

But the monarch was too quick for him and tucked the bunch behind her back, adding: “they always try to eat the flowers”.

Fans of LCpl Cruachan, who also celebrated his ninth birthday on 7 August, will be pleased to hear the pony has recovered well after a bout of colic at the end of last month. He was treated at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

The pony “tweeted” the good news that his impaction had passed and he was “on the mend” on 30 July.

The gelding started his service as regimental mascot in 2012, taking over the role from Cruachan III who had retired aged 23.

The name Cruachan comes from the war cry of Clan Campbell and he leads the regiment on parade on formal occasions and represents the regiment at events across Scotland.

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Meanwhile at Buckingham Palace, two other regimental mascots took part in the changing of the guard.

The 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment’s Swaledale ram, Private Derby XXXI, and the 1st Battalion Irish Guards’ Irish wolfhound, Domhnall, went on parade.

It was planned that they would take part in a prestigious handover of duties in front of the palace, but the ram was taken ill and returned to Wellington Barracks.

However, the pair did have the chance to meet face-to-face at the barracks beforehand.

Making reference to the upcoming high-profile boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor, Cpl Philip Thornton, The Mercian Regiment’s Ram Major, quipped: “In terms of a face-off it was better than anything Mayweather and McGregor could come up with.”

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A Windsor grey “poster boy” has retired to the countryside after 14 years of royal service.

The elegant grey gelding Daniel has joined his fellow Royal Mews veterans Flint, Marsa and Big Tom at the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire.

During his working life, Daniel served as a harness horse for The Queen’s carriages and took part in events including state visits, the opening of parliament, The Queen’s birthday parade and the Garter service at Windsor Castle.

He could also be spotted in the procession at Royal Ascot and at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

A life-size statue of Daniel and his stable mate Storm can be found on the Peanut roundabout near the Long Walk in Windsor. These were commissioned by residents to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.

He also features in a 2014 Royal Mail stamp collection, celebrating Britain’s working horses, and his picture appears in the official souvenir guide to the Royal Mews.

“For everyone at the Horse Trust, it is a privilege to provide a tranquil retirement for horses and ponies that have served the country or our communities,” said Jeanette Allen, the charity’s chief executive.

“[We provide] space, grass underfoot and the opportunity to live out their twilight years enjoying the natural ways of just being a horse.

“Horses working at the Royal Mews belong to the nation and not, as many believe, to the Royal Family.

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“So these magnificent animals, who have made the nation so proud on ceremonial occasions seen around the world, are as welcome as the horses that have served in the military or police.

“We will certainly give Daniel a very happy and loving retirement.”

Daniel started his career with the Metropolitan Police before transferring to the Royal Mews.

One of his frequent duties was to bring newly-appointed high commissioners and foreign ambassadors to present their credentials to The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Windsor greys and Cleveland bays have drawn carriages for the royals since Queen Victoria’s reign and also provide the “daily messenger” postal service between Buckingham Palace and St James’ Palace.

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The Queen’s youngest granddaughter has followed in her grandfather’s footsteps to make her Royal Windsor carriage driving debut.

Lady Louise Mountbatten Windsor, 13, led the Champagne Laurent-Perrier meet of the British Driving Society on Sunday (14 May).

She was driving the homebred Fell pony Balmoral Phantom, the grandson of the Queen’s trusted mount Carltonlima Emma.

The carriage was one driven by The Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, in 1943 at the first Royal Windsor Horse Show to raise money to build a Hurricane during World War II.

It is the Queen’s French Pony Chase, built in 1875 and was given to the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VII.

Lady Louise, the daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, has been driving for two years. She inherited her grandparents’ love of horses and had riding lessons at Windsor from an early age.

The Crown Equerry Colonel Toby Brown, head of the Royal Mews, was also driving two of the Queen’s homebred Windsor greys in the procession.

The pair, called Knightsbridge and Londonderry, are both out of Her Majesty’s mare Silver Lady.

They were bred at the Royal Stud at Hampton Court before being trained at Windsor Castle and are now based at Buckingham Palace, where they are used for state and semi-state ceremonial duties.

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A spokesman for the British Driving Society (BDS) explained the history of the event, which was first held in 1958 when it was supported by 56 combinations.

“After assembling in a side ring, yellow carnation buttonholes were presented to members and passengers and worn with great pride,” he said.

“This tradition continued for any years and established the flower as the BDS emblem.

“After a five-mile drive, members returned to the main arena to receive magnificent rosettes.”

The BDS was formed in 1957 and celebrates its diamond anniversary this year.

“In 1965 a staggering 91 entries had been received for the meet and drive at Royal Windsor Horse Show, but sadly it had to be cancelled due to a severe coughing epidemic,” added the spokesman.

“However the official meet of the BDS at Windsor resumed in 1966 and has remained for the last 51 years.”

First place went to John Henry White with Trixies Charlie.

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The Duke of Edinburgh will step down from public engagements this autumn.

Prince Philip, who turns 96 next month, has the “full support of The Queen”.

The announcement was made by the royal communications team this morning (4 May).

“Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen,” said the statement.

“Thereafter, the Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”

The statement adds that the Duke of Edinburgh is patron, president or a member of more than 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated but will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.

Prince Philip’s involvement in the equestrian world goes back to childhood, with his earliest memory in the saddle dating from 1928, when he would ride along the Black Sea beaches with his cousin King Michael of Romania.

He is currently president of Royal Windsor Horse Show and Scottish Horse Driving Trials.

He is patron of the Northern Country Fair and Horse Show, Lowther Horse Driving Trials and Country Fair and the Canadian Cutting Horse Association.

The Prince is also a member of British Carriage Driving and the British Horse Driving Trials Association, and an honorary member of the British Horse Society and the United States Equestrian Federation.

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A skilled horseman, he was ranked one of the top eight British polo players of his time before retiring from the sport in 1970.

In 1973 he began his competitive driving career and represented Britain at three European and six World championships. He continues to enjoy driving and was most recently spotted at the end of March driving a coach and four in Windsor.

He was elected president of the FEI in 1964, a position he held for 22 years, before he was succeeded by his daughter Princess Anne.

His many contributions to equestrian sport include co-writing the first FEI rules for driving and creating equine passports for international competitors.

He also founded the ever popular Prince Philip Cup for mounted games in 1957, in which thousands of children continue to take part each year.

The Queen will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements, with support of the Royal Family.

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Prince Harry took centre stage at the Sentebale Polo Cup in Abu Dhabi last week (20 November 2014).

The Sentebale Huntsman team (Prince Harry, former England captain Malcolm Borwick, Saeed Bin Drai and Abdulla Ben Desmal) beat the St Regis Team (Sheikha Maitha, Mohammed Al Habtoor, Nacho Figueras and Amr Zedan) 5-4 — and Prince Harry was named ‘most valuable player’.

The event is sponsored by whisky company Royal Salute and is in aid of the charity Sentebale, which Prince Harry co-founded with Prince Seeiso in 2006. It aims to provide healthcare and education to vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty in Lesotho, southern Africa.

“The money raised will go towards teaching many more HIV-postive young people how to live with the virus,” said Prince Harry. “Work on the Mamohato Children’s Centre in Thaba Basu, Lesotho, is well underway. The centre is due to be complete next year and will enable us to reach four times as many children than we are currently able to.”

Malcolm Borwick added: “It is a priviledge to play polo in support of Sentebale; a charity that is helping the lives of the children in Lesotho. It has been a great honour to play at the renowned Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club in Abu Dhabi, alongside many friends of mine.”

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Prince Harry goes for goal

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Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras

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The Queen’s Cup Leagues are in the final stages and there have been a few surprises and lots of close games in pretty wet conditions.

The playing surfaces have been amazing for the horses despite the deluges over the past 10 days, but they are inevitably getting a hammering and now they are not so easy to control the ball on.This gives more balanced teams an easier task and also has an effect on the tactics employed.

Talking of tactics, most of the high goal sides have professional coaches nowadays and as part of the technological evolution, there is now an app that can be downloaded and used in conjunction with Dartfish .

It can break down play into various sections, such as goals scored, fouls committed, hit-ins, throw-ins and other vital statistics. This programme is only just being born, but it can include slow motions of penalties and help the technique with all the shots.

Fox and Hounds — the all pro British team — has been a turn up for the books. They have played outstandingly as a team and there is all to play for in this last week as the final games are played out.

The sides that are looking strong, as always, are Zacara, El Remanso and Dubai. In our league it is difficult to say what the outcome will be, but Talandracas’s amazing win over UAE has brought them back into the fold and UAE have also proved to be very strong.

Other teams that are very good on paper have had a tough start either due to competitive leagues and or injuries to players throwing the team cohesion out of sync. Aravali and Twelve Oaks have yet to find form.

It would take a brave man to bet on a winner at this stage with so many teams playing to such a high standard, so the last stages will be as exciting as ever.

Last weekend saw the finals of the Duke of Sutherland and the Arthur Lucas Cups at the 18- and 15-goal level.

Congratulations to Dell Park who won the Arthur Lucas on the Saturday at Beaufort and the Duke of Sutherland 18-goal at Cowdray on the Sunday. That is a pretty impressive double for Nicolai Bahlsen, Richie Le Poer and Max Charlton.

The Royal Windsor is already under way and this will produce some excellent games at the medium-goal level.

Audi also had their big days at Coworth Park, with the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry making their debut this season. It always amazes me how naturally well they play after months without stick and balling or riding.

Looking forward to the next test match at the Beaufort Polo Club near Tetbury, on 21 June, England take on the Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club team of John Paul Clarkin, Guillermo Terrera John Fisher and Luis Lalor (Snr).

The English team has been selected as James Harper, Max Charlton, George Meyrick and Max Routledge.

The event will be well attended and is combined with a charity weekend with tradestands and lots of entertainment for the whole family.

Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge were watched by a host of celebrities at the Audi Polo Challenge at Coworth Park, Ascot, Berkshire over the weekend (3-4 August).

On Saturday (3 August), the Duke of Cambridge took a break from his parental duties to lead his Audi Quattro team to victory today over the Audi Ultra team — with the help of his brother Prince Harry.

This was the Duke’s first public appearance since the birth of his son and after the match Audi UK director Martin Sander presented him with a mini polo stick for Prince George.

“I was in baby mode out there, thinking about nappies. I wasn’t really in the zone,” William admitted after the match.

The Prince is currently on paternity leave from his role as a RAF search and rescue pilot, but is expected to return to work sometime this week.

On Sunday (4 August) Prince Harry, who currently plays off a handicap of 1, was victorious again with 7-4 win over Audi Ultra.

This year Saturday’s fixture supported SkillForce and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, of which Prince William is patron and president respectively.

“The Duke and Duchess have done so much to support us and now they are a family, it’s just wonderful news,” Peter Cross, Skillforce’s chief executive, said.

Sunday’s fixture was in aid of Sentebale, which is a charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.

The annual event has now raised more than £1.5 million over the last decade for various charities supported by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

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Royal Baby fever has even hit the Shire Horse Society, which has decided to launch its own piece of memorabilia.

To mark the birth of George Alexander Louis, Prince George of Cambridge, the society has created a new limited edition polo shirt.

David Ralley-Davies, from the Shire Horse Society said: “We want to send our own special congratulations to Will and Kate on the birth of their son, Prince George of Cambridge.

“With the Queen being the patron of the society it is important that we commemorate the birth of her new great grandson and give something for our supporters to remember the date by in years to come.”

The polo shirt costs for members £19.95 or £22.50 for non members.

For more information www.shire-horse.org.uk

Congratulations Kate and William on the birth of your baby boy.

Once you have settled on a name — and put him down for Eton — it’s never too early to focus on the next most important question. What should his first pony be?

Although Kate is reported to be allergic to horses, there can be no doubt that the next heir to the throne will be expected to take up the family’s equestrian obsession.

So what would be the most suitable pony for the job?

Shetland

The Shetland is arguably the front-runner in the first pony competition. It can boast a royal heritage, as The Queen’s first pony was a Shetland called Peggy.

Their small size makes them a natural fit as a first pony although they have a reputation for being cheeky. Jane Dennis from Kerswel Stud in Devon, who has been breeding Shetlands for more than 40 years, believes it would be a good choice.

“They are great confidence boosters because of their personalities,” she told H&H.

“The only thing is you have to make sure that they are broken in properly.

“Some people stick a headcollar on and a child on the pony’s back and then wonder why they don’t behave.

“I think this is where their reputation for being naughty comes from.”

Exmoor

The Exmoor may be the preferred choice of the baby’s step-Grandmother, the Duchess of Cornwall. Camilla’s favourite childhood book, Moorland Mousie, tells the story of an Exmoor who is determined to become a hunting pony.

Juliet Rogers of the Moorland Mousie Trust, said: “Exmoor ponies are reliable, strong and clever, able to take care of themselves and their precious cargo.

“These wonderful ponies are sure footed, versatile and a suitable size, making them perfect for a future king”

Event rider Andrew Nicholson has an Exmoor pony for his 8-year old daughter Lily.

“If we go cross-country schooling, I canter over the little jumps and the pony jumps along behind us,” said Andrew in a recent H&H interview.

“If it thinks a jump is too big, it quietly goes around it and hopes I won’t notice — it’s a good pony.”

The pony is also used on the lead-rein for his 4-year old son Zach.

New Forest

This is another favourite choice for children due to their small size and naturally calm temperament.

Shirley Young, who has been breeding New Forest ponies at Farriers Stud since 1985 believes they are “simply the best” for young children.

She also pointed out that they have royal history because, “they come from the royal hunting ground for King William I.”

Too much too soon

Although breed and size is important it is also crucial that the pony is right for the child.

International dressage rider Steph Croxford discovered this when she acquired a Shetland pony, Jess, on loan for her daughter Annabelle when she was three-years old.

“Unfortunately it didn’t work out.” Steph explained. “The pony wasn’t being naughty, but as a first pony she was just too much.

“You just had to give her a squeeze and she was off. Unfortunately Annabelle fell off 4 times in 2 days, mainly into icy puddles.

“That put her off riding for 3 years, but she has just gone back to having riding lessons and is enjoying it.”

She added: “It is so important to get the first pony right. My advice would be make sure you just get a pony on loan so if something goes wrong there are no financial concerns.”

Hopefully Zara Philips’ 2-year-old niece, Savannah, will get on better with the Shetland which has just been purchased for her by her aunt.

Mother knows best

Showing producer Katy Carter, who has 3 children, believes that temperament is the most important factor when choosing a pony whether for the ring or just for fun.

Harry, Poppy and Harvey were lucky enough to start off with Sprinter the Shetland who is now 22 years old and has been shared around numerous children.

“He was great because he was a real play pony. I know Shetlands have a reputation for being a bit sharp but he wasn’t at all,” Katy explained.

“Poppy used to put pink ribbons in his hair and a crown on him. It was a great way for her to start.”

Both Poppy and Harry have gone on to ride at the Royal International and Horse of the Year Show after their successful start on Sprinter.

Have your say

What do you think would make the best first pony for the future King? Visit our Facebook page and let us know.

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Organisers of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (3-7 May) have announced that some special Royal guests will be watching the final day’s action.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will watch the showjumping on the final day (Monday, 7th May). William and Kate will then present the prizes to the successful competitors.

While the Duke, like his brother, Prince Harry, is a keen rider, the Duchess has a well-documented allergy to horses – although she has attended Badminton before, in a private capacity.

This year’s Badminton is one of the last chances for eventers to impress the Olympic selectors. With the fifth spot in Team GBR very much open, the Duke’s cousin, Zara Phillips, will be hoping to impress with Trevor Hemmings’ High Kingdom, 10th at Burghley last year.

The Duke and Duchess are carrying out a number of public engagements in the coming weeks. Their appearances in public together have been limited by the Duke’s full-time work as an RAF search-and-rescue pilot, which has included a spell in the Falklands.

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Racehorse trainer Henry Cecil has been awarded a knighthood in The Queen’s birthday honours list 2011.

The 10-times champion Flat trainer, who received the Knights Bachelor for services to horseracing said he was “more than slightly overwhelmed”. In his 42-year career he has trained 25 Classic winners and celebrated 72 victories at Royal Ascot.

Natural horsemanship trainer Monty Roberts was made an honorary member of the Royal Victorian Order for services to the royal family, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the racing establishment. This order is awarded privately by The Queen to those who have served the monarchy in a personal way.

The founder of Chepstow and Mount Ballan Horse Trials, Diana Bown, received an MBE for voluntary services to equestrian sport. Diana has organised British Eventing (BE) and Pony Club competitions in South Wales for over 30 years, as well as being a BE board director, British Equestrian Federation council member, trustee of the Curre and Llangibby hunt and retired Pony Club district commissioner.

The former chief executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) Jeremy Richardson received an OBE for services to horseracing. Mr Richardson, who has work for the organisation for around 40 years before stepping down last year, told H&H he was “absolutely thrilled”.

And dual Grand National-winning owner Trevor Hemmings (Ballabriggs, 2010 and Hedgehunter, 2005) was named a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order for his role as vice-president of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

For more see this week’s issue of H&H — out on Thursday 16 June.

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It’s her local show and this year The Queen is making the most of it by having more entries in the Royal Windsor Horse Show (11-15 May) than ever before.

With 14 horses and ponies entered across a range of classes, Her Majesty is clearly hoping for a successful few days with her string.

Bumper entries are a feature of this year’s show with more than 2,725 entries received for the 150-plus classes.

Show director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “We seem to be bucking the trend a bit in terms of entries. Where many shows are reporting low numbers, we have exceeded our target and are delighted that competitors still love coming to Royal Windsor.”

Showjumpers Laura Kraut, Robert Whitaker, Tim Stockdale, Geoff Billington, Tina Fletcher, Tim Gredley and Pippa Funnell all have horses entered for the five-day show, which culminates with the Alltech Royal Windsor Grand Prix on Sunday 15 May.

A packed programme will include the return of the Land Rover Six Bar Stakes on Saturday afternoon, plus top-class driving action, DAKS Pony Club Games and an inaugural inter-schools showjumping competition.

To book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk, or tel: 0871 230 5568.

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With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee approaching next year, H&H is compiling a photo album of reader’s photographs of Her Majesty watching one of her favourite pastimes — equestrian sport.

If you have a photograph of The Queen at an equestrian event and would be prepared to share it with us, please send it in to Jaki Bell, Horse & Hound, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London EC1 1UT or jaki_bell@ipcmedia.com.

Photos that are not in a digital format will be scanned and returned to you.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (31 March, 2011)

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The Princess Royal will officially open the new £3.5 million headquarters of the British Horse Society (BHS) today (22 February).

The landmark building at Abbey Park, Stoneleigh, replaces the previous temporary buildings.

The doughnut-shaped building completely surrounds a mature oak tree.

And its façade is constructed from natural stone: European oak cladding and sedum were used on the roof, to create a moist environment around the central tree.

There is also an ancient sweet chestnut adjacent to the main entrance that is reputed to be the second oldest in Warwickshire and, according to local legend, Robin Hood slept beneath it when passing through the area.

The BHS occupies nearly three quarters of the building and the rest is available to let by other equestrian societies and businesses.

BHS chief executive Graham Cory said: “We are honoured that HRH The Princess Royal — without doubt the UK’s foremost ambassador for equestrianism — agreed to open our new HQ.

“Attempting to compare our new home with the building it has replaced makes about as much sense as comparing the Parthenon with a local bus station.

“A bright, spacious and airy office now stands in the space once occupied by a building which was none of these.

“Previously, I had felt mean when I asked staff to work in such poor conditions and embarrassed when we welcomed visitors. Now we have a building of which the Society can be proud.”

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Prince Harry has been cleared of any wrongdoing or cruelty to his polo pony after tabloid reports that the prince over-spurred his mount during a match.

The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) has reviewed claims that the prince drew blood with his spurs during a match at Guards on 11 July and carried on playing.

Chairman of the HPA welfare committee David Morley told H&H that an independent vet examined the pony for the association on 4 September, after stories appeared in the national press.

“We took veterinary advice that if the pony had been gouged or stabbed by the spurs there would have been scar tissue or a bald patch,” said Mr Morley. “There was no sign of any such injury.”

The vet told the HPA that as the injury had been to one side of the pony only it was more probably caused by a collision rather than spurs.

“I think this was more a story about Prince Harry than his polo skills,” said Mr Morley

He said the HPA welfare committee had concluded that there was no wrongdoing involved in the incident, at a meeting on 4 September.

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The new commercial director of Stoneleigh Park, Paul Southern, wants to introduce the Warwickshire venue to the corporate market.

Despite 20 years in the events industry Mr Southern says he was unaware of the facilities at the Royal Agricultural Society of England’s base.

He said: “The phrase “hidden gem” and “best kept secret” are over used in the event industry. However, Stoneleigh Park has over 1,000 acres of land, 7000m2 of exhibition space, a suite of conference rooms, a hotel, a permanent party structure and an off-road driving track.

“There is a fantastic team here and we cannot wait to introduce Stoneleigh Park to the corporate market.”

Mr Southern was a director and owner of The Ultimate Event Company until it was sold in 2000 and a director of European Events from 2000 until 2009.

More recently Mr Southern has been working with a number of agents and venues as an interim consultant including an assignment as the head of sales at Alexandra Palace.

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Visitors attending training sessions at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) in Newmarket can do so in comfort and style with the opening of a state-of-the-art lecture theatre and conference centre.

The Princess Royal visited the John MacDougall visitors’ centre at the AHT yesterday (10 November) to officially open the £250,000 building (picture right).

AHT assistant chief executive Mark Vaudin, said: “Until now we have not had the facilities to properly provide a fully integrated education programme.

“This new lecture theatre allows us not only to enhance the education programme for our own staff but gives us the opportunity to provide training and education for vets and scientists working in the UK and across the world.”

The converted stable block houses a 60-seat, tiered lecture theatre, equipped with a wall-mounted flat screen and audio-visual system, areas for smaller groups, a coffee shop and a large courtyard.

Each year the AHT hosts more than 20 continuous professional development lectures and practical sessions for veterinary professionals. It also runs genetics courses for dog breeders.

The lecture theatre and conference facility are also available to businesses and individuals to hire.

Contact the AHT on tel: 01638 555648 or email conference.manager@aht.org.uk

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Prince Harry will play in a charity polo match in New York City at the end of the month, on his first formal overseas engagement.

The second in line to the throne will carry out a number of official engagements as part of a two-day visit to New York on 29 and 30 May. He has only been the US privately before, when he was a child.

The visit will culminate in a polo match — the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic — taking place on Governors Island in front of the public.

Prince Harry played his first polo match of the season last weekend, at the Audi Charity Polo Day at Coworth Park in Ascot (where he is pictured here).

The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic will be played on Saturday 30 MAy in support of the American Friends of Sentebale, the US branch of Sentebale, a charity of which Prince Harry is patron.

The match is the first of a series of events on Governors Island to mark the 400th anniversary of New York City.

Sentebale chief executive Kedge Martin said: “Sentebale is delighted to have been selected as beneficiary of the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support this event will provide for our work on the ground in Lesotho helping the country’s most vulnerable and neglected children.”

The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic was first staged last year, the first time polo had been played in Manhattan for 70 years.

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The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will be firing a 41-Gun Salute on Friday (14 November) to celebrate Prince Charles’s 60th birthday.

The Salute will be fired at 12noon in Hyde Park in London, and the public is invited to attend.

The King’s Troop will leave their St John’s Wood Barracks in column and each of the 6 World War I 13-pounder guns will be drawn by 6 colour-matched horses.

The horses will gallop down Hyde Park before halting and being unhooked. The guns will then fire blank cartridges at 10-second intervals.

And following this, the Gun Salute Salute for the Prince of Wales will become a permanent fixture in the King’s Troop Calendar.

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The first racehorse owned and bred jointly by Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will be trained in Hampshire by Ralph Beckett.

Named Royal Superlative, the filly was reared at the Royal Stud in Norfolk, having been foaled by the mare Supereva, who was a wedding gift from The Queen to Charles and Camilla. Royal Superlative turns two on New Year’s Day and is expected to be in action towards the middle of next summer.

Beckett, 36, and his wife, Issy, follow their local pack, the Wilton, among others, sharing a love of hunting with the royal couple. They are based at Whitsbury Manor Stables, where David Elsworth trained Desert Orchid.

Beckett has never met his new owners, nor trained for any member of the royal family. He admitted: “It was a bit of a shock to get the phone call from John Warren [The Queen’s bloodstock adviser] and when he told me the plan I did a double-take. It’s a real honour and very exciting.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (28 December, ’07)

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The Queen is expanding her well-established Highland Pony stud at Balmoral this summer.

In early June, Her Majesty’s eight broodmares will be transferred to her Scottish residence from their present home at Hampton Court. Young stock will move to Balmoral at a later date, while The Queen’s two home-bred Highland stallions will remain at Clive and Penny Smith’s Nash End Stud in Gloucestershire.

Catriona McArdle, a former Highland Pony Society president and the co-founder of Denmill Highland Stud, has been appointed Balmoral’s stud management consultant. A vacancy currently exists for a yard manager. Click here for further details >>

Her Majesty also owns some Fell pony stock and it is hoped that in time they will be moved from England to Balmoral to form part of a native pony stud.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (15 March, ’07)

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The contenders for the 2006 Queen’s Award for Equestrianism have been announced by the British Horse Society (BHS). The award will be given to an individual deemed to have provided outstanding services to equestrianism.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; Yogi Breisner; Douglas Bunn; Betty Gaston; Jennie Loriston-Clarke; Diana Martin-Bird; Clive Milkins and Major WL Thompson (who very sadly passed away this week) are the nominees put forward by the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) member bodies.

Jennie Loriston-Clarke, nominated by the BHS, expressed her honour at being named. “I don’t know what to say. I’m quite dumbstruck,” she said. “I just love horses and the sport and it’s a real thrill to be recognised.”

Douglas Bunn, founder of Hickstead and nominated by the BSJA was equally delighted.

“I feel extremely honoured, although I am well aware that it reflects back to the sport of show jumping, which I love, and Hickstead, which has been my lifetime obsession,” he told H&H. “But Hickstead has been a rewarding obsession, and one that has helped me to make many friends and has left me with many moments to remember and treasure.”

A selection panel chaired by BHS chairman Patrick Print and comprising BEF chairman Hugh Thomas, BSJA chairman Michael Mac, Riding for the Disabled Association chairman Jane Holderness-Roddam, Pony Club chairman Mary Anderson, Sydney Smith from the British Horse Driving Trials Association and Lt Col Valentine Woyka from the Household Cavalry will decide on three names from the eight. These will go forward to the BHS trustees, who will recommend a winner to The Queen.

“This prestigious new award provides a further welcome opportunity to celebrate achievement in equestrianism,” said BHS chairman Patrick Print, who chairs the selection panel. “Each nominee, in his or her own way, can be held up as an archetype of personal achievement.”

Yogi Breisner, also surprised by his nomination by British Eventing and the Association of British Riding Schools, said: “It’s a great honour to be nominated together with people who’ve done so much for equestrianism. I knew nothing about the award at all, so it was a really nice surprise — it’s always nice to be recognised.”

Northern Ireland volunteer Betty Gaston was speechless on hearing the news.

“I immediately thought, why me? I’m absolutely flabbergasted,” she said. “I haven’t done anything extraordinary — if someone asks me to do something, I find it very hard to say no.”

• See today’s issue of Horse & Hound (23 March, ’06) for more background information on each of the nominees

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The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited sick horses in a Cairo clinic yesterday. The visit to the Cairo-based operations of the equine welfare charity Brooke Hospital was the one element of a five-day royal programme in Egypt that the Duchess specifically requested. Meanwhile, Princess Anne is also showing her commitment to equine welfare by today launching a five-year scheme which aims to improve the welfare of farm horses in Romania.

The Duchess first became aware of the Brooke’s pioneering efforts to raise the standard of equine welfare overseas at a fundraising event in 2004, and Prince Charles visited one of the Brooke’s Luxor clinics in 1995. “The request for the visit came from Clarence House,” explained Niki Austin of the Brooke. “Obviously they are both horse lovers and they made time to see and hear what we do.”

Staff at the hospital showed the Prince and the Duchess animals bearing terrible physical injuries, sustained by overuse and being forced to carry heavy loads. There were 53 horses in the clinic’s ward, many injured as a result of collisions with Cairo’s traffic. “Lameness and dehydration are among the most common welfare problems,” Austin explained. “We have to assess the prevalence of the problem and also the amount of pain it is causing.”

The hospital was established by Dorothy Brooke, the wife of Major General Geoffrey Brooke, who headed the British Cavalry in Egypt. Appalled at the plight of ex-cavalry First World War horses, sold to stone quarries in Cairo, Brooke raised £20,000 by putting an appeal in The Daily Telegraph. The Cairo hospital opened in 1934. Today the Brooke is working hard to educate and train horse owners in Cairo how best to care for their horses.

“The welfare problems are not down to the nature of the people,” Austin explained. “Animals are a very important part of their culture but we’re talking about a whole cultural change when it comes to treating them better.”

The charity also runs clinics in a host of other countries across the world, providing free veterinary care, training and education programmes for animal owners.

Back in the UK, The Princess Royal will today unveil a five-year project, co-ordinated by the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH), at the Romanian embassy in London. The scheme aims to raise the standard of equine welfare in Romania.

According to the ILPH, lack of knowledge, resources and awareness of horse welfare lead to poor equine welfare in Romania. Since the fall of Communism and the break-up of mechanised collective farms the country has witnessed a regression to small plots of land farmed mainly by horsepower.

Today the country is thought to be home to around one million draft horses. However many of these animals are kept in dirty conditions, wear ill-fitting harnesses and suffer from malnutrition. Often when they are no longer able to work, inhumane methods are used to put them to death. Under the ILPH project UK equine experts will provide training to Romanian vets, saddlers and blacksmiths and ensure EU animal welfare legislation is enforced. They will also give horse owners practical advice and training on caring for their animals.

ILPH chief executive, John Smales, explained that Romania’s impending accession to the EU made it a good time to work with the country’s citizens to improve the lives of working horses.

“We have found that Romanians have a thirst for knowledge and are keen to improve the welfare of their animals,” he said, adding that in five years there will be a permanent change for the better. “It is hoped that Romania’s example can be used to encourage higher standards of welfare in other former Eastern bloc countries, where several generations of knowledge and horse husbandry skills have been lost through Communism.”

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The Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies (SWHP) celebrated its 30th anniversary in style last Friday, with help from the Princess Royal, who unveiled a plaque commemorating her first ever visit to the society’s headquarters.

Princess Anne spent approximately an hour at the society’s base at Coxstone Farm, Monmouthshire. The charity’s two miniature Shetland pony mascots, Sebastian and Merlin, greeted her on arrival.

During her visit Princess Anne met all 40 of the horses and ponies that are currently resident at the horse hospital. These include ex-racehorse Clubs Are Trumps, who was found abandoned in a DIY livery yard, and Boris, who was rescued with a broken pelvis as a foal after he had fallen 40ft into Trevir Quarry, Tredegar.

SWHP spokesperson Sian Lloyd says: “We feel enormously privileged that Princess Anne made time to visit us, as she is enormously busy. It was a very special day and all the ponies behaved immaculately.”

Thirty years ago, SWHP’s founder Sheila Richards bought some foals for a couple of pounds at a market to prevent them from being exported for slaughter on the continent. Although some of the foals had to be put down, Shelia raised those with potential, and hence SWHP was born.

The MacGregor family helped Sheila from the start, and in the mid 1980s, Jenny MacGregor took over as chairman. As the practice of exporting foals for slaughter dwindled, the society’s work changed and it now serves as an equine hospital, taking in sick, injured or abused animals before rehabilitating them and finding them new homes. The society currently has more than 250 horses and ponies in adopted care.

SWHP is run from the MacGregors’ farm at St Maughans, where the buildings have been adapted to stable up to 20 horses and ponies. The facilities have been developed to include slings and pulley systems that are vital in the rehabilitation of weak horses and ponies.

Chairman Jenny MacGregor told HHO that Princess Anne’s visit was a great honour, but it was now back to “business as usual”.

Ms MacGregor says: “We would like to make every story a success story, and for that, we depend on all our very generous supporters for their donations, as well as the time and energy devoted by all our voluntary helpers.”

For more information about the society, or to make a donation online, visit: www.swhp.co.uk. Alternatively, send a cheque made payable to “Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies” to SWHP, Coxstone, St Maughans, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 5QF.

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