Love of horses

Love of horses

Arranged by Julie Gardner

More than any other interest, horses have been the Queen’s passion throughout her long life.  The Queen had her first riding lesson aged 3 and was given her first pony aged 4.  She doesn’t just love riding, she enjoys attending the races as well, has an exceptional knowledge of bloodlines and thoroughbreds and has been breeding and racing horses for more than 60 years.  She has around 180 horses and ponies kept at various royal residences.  In 2014 the International Equestrian Federation presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to the sport.