ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 17: King Charles III visits Aberdeen Town House to meet families who have settled in Aberdeen from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine on October 17, 2022 in Aberdeen, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The King is selling some of the racehorses he inherited from his late mother The Queen at Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale this week (24-27 October). But while some may be concerned that this could signal a change to the royal family’s connection with racing, Tattersalls spokesman Jimmy George said: “It’s nothing out of the ordinary. Every year owners sell stock. His Majesty is just doing what owners do.” The royal family currently has about 50 horses in training.
Congratulations to 80-year-old Elizabeth Comrie, who has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of her riding school in West Lothian, which she established in 1972 with her late husband Ian. Some 150 past and present pupils visited to mark the milestone. “We had a fantastic night, there were even people there who I hadn’t seen for 30 years and the fact they made the effort to come has left me lost for words. We’re still receiving messages and cards,” said Elizabeth, who hopes the centre will continue to be “here for a long time”.
A “one of a kind” police horse called Parker, whose bravery was matched by his kindness and compassion towards the ill and elderly, has retired from duty aged 20. During his exceptional career, Parker was involved in most, if not all, the notable events in the region, but he also developed a “very special friendship” with a lady called Dorothy, who would bring carrots and Polos for him when she attended football matches at Old Trafford with her husband Dennis. When Dorothy was diagnosed with terminal cancer she visited Parker at the police stables and after she died, Parker led her funeral procession. A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Dennis has continued to visit Parker since Dorothy died, and Parker has been a vital part of him coping without her. He may be the smallest horse on the unit, but he always makes the biggest impact. He’s one of a kind.”
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.
