The smile that beamed across the face of Queen Elizabeth II – and TV screens worldwide – when her horse Estimate won the 2013 Ascot Gold Cup said it all. For a few sweet moments the polite mask of duty was cast aside for the world to witness The Queen’s unadulterated happiness at cheering on a cherished horse to give its all. It was in the world of horses that the late Queen was able to taste some part of the life she might have had were it not for an accident of birth – and an abdicating uncle. A familiar sight in her headscarf, cantering her black Fell ponies through Windsor Great Park, Elizabeth II’s longevity in the saddle was awe-inspiring. This special edition commemorates Her Late Majesty's lifelong passion for equestrianism.
The Queen & Her Horses
Welcome
IN MEMORY OF The Queen – a happy and glorious life 21 April 1926–8 September 2022 • There is scarcely a facet of the equestrian world that has not benefited from the patronage – either personal or official – of Her Majesty The Queen. Horse & Hound acknowledges the influence of this great equestrian
The early years • There was no shortage of ponies to ignite a passion for equestrianism in the young princess, before the prospect of duty loomed
Childhood days • The Queen’s early days in the saddle would set her on the path for a lifelong passion
The next generation • Start ‘em young seems to be the family motto when it comes to riding
Regally bred • Always ready to experiment, The Queen has a deep interest in breeding — whether it is an eventer, polo pony or native. But she is perhaps best known for her enviable knowledge of the thoroughbred
‘One of the sport’s finest ambassadors’ • The Queen’s passion and enthusiasm as an owner-breeder has been her principal legacy to the sport of racing, says Sue Montgomery
25 BIG WINNERS
An equestrian inheritance • The future looked bright for The Queen’s racing operation as she ascended the throne in 1952
A smooth operation • In The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year, former stud manager Joe Grimwade, who stepped down from the role in 2013, gave Catherine Austen a tour of the Royal Stud
Balmoral Stud • Nestled in the grounds of the Balmoral Estate is Her Majesty The Queen’s Highland pony stud. Melanie Scott pays a visit to get a taste for how it all works
TACK BOX
The Monty Roberts touch • Since the 1980s, the American natural horsemanship guru has been involved in ‘starting’ The Queen’s young horses
On the Flat • The mere presence of The Queen at a Flat meeting adds an air of excitement to the atmosphere. For her to have a winner, is to send the crowds into a state of euphoria. From the nation willing Aureole to take the Derby in her Coronation year to Estimate’s sensational Royal Ascot victory in the Gold Cup in 2013, a racegoer’s eyes are always on The Queen’s colours
The Derby and the Royal Family • The Queen has yet to win the Derby, but the race’s history is closely entwined with that of her family, explained Julian Muscat
The racehorses • The Queen has bred and owned some of the best racehorses to grace Europe’s tracks. Her Majesty picks out the five most memorable from the seven decades of her reign
Aureole & the Derby • The whole nation was behind Aureole’s bid to win the Derby for the newly-crowned Queen in 1953. Inherited from her father, Aureole finished second to Pinza — but went on to become a leading stallion
Highclere & the French Oaks • The marvellous filly Highclere — who also took the 1974 1000 Guineas — shone in the French Oaks at Chantilly
Dunfermline and the Oaks • The Queen’s Silver Jubilee year was marked with a triumph in one of the great Classics of the Flat racing season
Carlton House & the Derby •...
