A former racehorse who was both bred and owned by the late Queen Mother has died aged 31. “Kody” was out of a mare called First Romance, a favourite of the Queen Mother’s. Under the name King’s Rhapsody, he won over hurdles and a bumper when trained by Nicky Henderson, and went on to enjoy a second career with Elaine Buck, spending 20 years as a much-loved “dream horse” who did well in dressage, showing and showjumping. He retired from all riding activity five years ago, as he developed a sarcoid in the girth area and Elaine had to have a shoulder operation. “He was happy right to the end,” she said.
Lewis Robertson-Carrier and Diego V are crowned national champions at the 2024 National Dressage Championships.
(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)
3. Horses rescued from “field of death” reunited with those who helped them
A group of horses rescued from a “field of death” in Harefield, in the London borough of Hillingdon, have been reunited with the women who fought to save them. The horses were living without shelter or veterinary care, in an area littered with hazards. Residents initially banded together to provide hay and water, hosting fundraising events to support them, before seeking further help from World Horse Welfare.
Field officers from the charity had been monitoring the horses but were unable to trace an owner, as none of the equines were microchipped. The charity was hampered further by the fact the land was owned by a consortium of more than 70 people. Also, where the horses’ basic needs were being met by the women who wanted to help them, this made building a case to take them away difficult – a challenge organisations repeatedly face.
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
Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.
