Public names equine therapy charity’s new ‘royal’ arrival

A foal who will grow up to help former servicemen has been named thanks to an influx of suggestions by the public.

Horseback UK asked the public to submit suggestions for its filly, who is by Balmoral Hercules, one of the Queen’s Highland ponies.

Countless submissions were made and Ferrar River was selected as the youngster’s new name.

“Ferrar” is the name of the farm where Horseback UK is based and “River” was chosen due to the filly’s blue eyes.

Carmel, Hope, Dazzle and Maia were also among the suggestions. Sinatra and Frankie were also put forward in reference to the youngster’s eyes.

The charity’s mare, Chexys Gold (Chexy) gave birth to Ferrar River last month (8 May).

Royal connections

Chexy, an American quarter horse who competed in the reining European Championships, came to HorseBack UK in 2009 following her retirement

Balmoral Hercules, the sire of the new arrival, lives on the Balmoral Estate.

It was decided to combine the two breeds following the success of another horse with the same breeding at the charity.

“He too is a cross between a quarter horse and a Highland pony and has proved to be a huge asset,” a spokesman for HorseBack UK told H&H.

“The two breeds bring the calmness of the quarter horse and the strength of the Highland without increasing the size.”

Continued below…

Stunning daughter of Queen’s horse seeks name

The foal was born at HorseBack UK, a

More than just a pretty face: Horsey McHorseface wins his first race

The young racehorse was named in homage to

Royal Windsor 2017: The Queen, tearful goodbyes and pint-sized jockeys

A castle, The Queen and an Olympic gold

Horseback UK is a Scotland-based charity that uses horsemanship to improve the lives of the injured and sick of the military community.

“Chexy is being a fantastic mum and we are looking forward to the journey the foal will now take,” added Emma Hutchison, co-founder of HorseBack UK.

Don’t miss our feature on Horseback UK detailing how the charity helps get injured servicemen’s lives back on track in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine (out on 15 June)

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