Equestrian pioneer Prince Philip celebrates his 90th birthday

Driving pioneer and all-round horseman Prince Philip is celebrating his 90th birthday today.

Polo player, former FEI president — for 22 years — and a founder of the sport of carriage driving, the Duke of Edinburgh has spent much of his life around horses.

His love of polo originated from his time in the Royal Navy during the late 1940s. In 1956, he helped form the Household Brigade Polo Club at Smith’s Lawn, going on to become one of the top 10 players in Britain.

Always keen to encourage young riders, the Duke has a long history with the Pony Club and awards the historic Prince Philip Cup at the Horse of the Year Show each year for the country’s best mounted games team.

But he is perhaps best associated with the sport of carriage driving. Not only has the Duke represented Britain in three European championships and six world championships, he was the driving force behind the development of the sport. He continued competing well into his eighties and still drives ponies today

The Duke will spend his birthday hosting a charity event at Buckingham Palace, before attending a thanksgiving service at Windsor Castle on Sunday.

Send him a personal birthday message here — www.royal.gov.uk

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