The last living Black Beauty has been recognised with a commemorative plaque in honour of the place he holds in the hearts of the public.
Billy, 29, was one of the five horses who played the lead role in the 1994 adaptation of Anna Sewell’s classic novel.
Since then, he has starred in a Guinness commercial, many music videos and has now retired to the countryside.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
“I love that it’s still a film so many remember so fondly, but most of all that it all lives on in Billy,” said his owner, Louise Maryon.
“I fell in love with Billy on set and that hasn’t changed to this day. It’s amazing that he’s being recognised with this plaque, it just goes to show what a great horse he is – not just to me, but to many others too.
“It’ll make a very welcome addition to our stables, and is sure to be a conversation starter with anyone who visits and didn’t know about Billy’s movie star past.”
A former H&H coverstar was also presented with a plaque.
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The plaque scheme was launched this autumn by house and pet sitting website, TrustedHousesitters.
It mirrors the English Heritage blue plaque initiative, which places a marker on the homes notable men and women lived and worked in.
The green TrustedHousesitters plaques feature a summary of the animal’s achievement as well as a set of “ears”.
“For over 150 years we have honoured deserving people with blue plaques, we felt it was time to celebrate the nation’s love for our animals by honouring them in a similar way,” said TrustedHousesitters’ managing director, Tim Lyons.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
