Anyone who’s been to Royal Ascot on a hot day like this week will know how tricky it is to get one’s look just right.
Among those who have managed it with aplomb this year is Luna, who’s there every day, accessorising her mainly leather-based style with the perfect pair of equine sunglasses.
Luna is a 16-year-old Norman cob, whose home for 12 years has been the Thames Valley Police mounted section. The 17hh mare has been on duty at Royal Ascot many times but this is to be her last before she retires.
“She suffers from uveitis,” a Thames Valley Police spokesperson told H&H. “She has the specialist sunglasses to filter out the UV light to protect her eyes.
“Her sunglasses are definitely a talking point and people seem to love them. She will be wearing them every day for Ascot for her own welfare.”
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The spokesperson said the glasses are made especially for Luna. Uveitis is inflammation within the eye, termed equine recurrent uveitis when two or more episodes occur. Glasses protect the eyes from UV light, dust and any other sources of irritation.
Also on patrol at Ascot yesterday were Luna’s equine colleagues Mars, another 17hh chestnut Normandy cob, Morpheus, Harper, Viktor and Trinity. The mounted section’s duties include escorting the royal family on to the racecourse and patrolling to maintain order as a visible presence.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
