Queen Elizabeth's Horses and Carriages

The Queen is known for her love of horses.  She started riding at the age of 4.  She can still be spotted on horseback in Windsor Great Park, riding along side her groom Terry Pendry.  While she never rode Daniel - he was her carriage horse - their bond was deep.  She is known for her world's finest working stables.  Daniel was pictured on a Royal mail stamp in 2014. He will live out his days on Horse Trust's 300 acres.  Below, the 92 year old Queen with Terry Pendry.

 

 


Windsor greys have been drawing carriages for the Royal family since the reign of Queen Victoria, even doubling as a postal service, carrying letters between Buckingham Palace and St. James.  The greys were used often and were the Queen's favorites.  The Windsor greys are not a particular breed, but rather any grey that is specifically bred and subsequently selected by the Royals to join the official ranks.

Their selection is based primarily on temperament and appearance, as their singular duty is pulling or accompanying the Queen’s Coach. The horses are saddle trained before they are carriage trained.











The Queen's stables are called "Mews".  This is actually a hawk and falconry term that refers to the time each year when the birds are molting.  Hundreds of years ago the royal family kept their hunting hawks and falcons in the stables to molt, so they started calling the stables the Mews.

The original Mews were demolished in the early 19^th century, and the horses were moved to south of Buckingham Palace, where they remain today. Millions of visitors visit the Mews each year to see the ornate ceremonial carriages, such as the Gold State Coach used in coronations, and the open-top State Landau Coach used in the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011.

 

The Cleveland Bays from Yorkshire, originated some time in the 1600s, and is considered the oldest non-draft English breed.  They are mixtures of English drafts, Spanish andalusians, and much later, thoroughbred and arabian blood was added to make them the slightly taller and leggier carriage horse they are now.  They are only ever true bays in color.





The Queen's Diamond Jubilee stagecoach that has been called a “living time capsule,” made with wood taken from the Tower of London, Henry VII’s warship, Sir Isaac Newton’s apple tree and the door of 10 Downing Street.

The Golden coach was originally built for King George III in 1762.

 1902 State Landau carriage is ridden in frequently, and was used for Prince Charles and Diana's wedding and Prince William and Kate's wedding.

While the horses and carriages may only be used and seen by the world during great ceremonies of pomp and circumstance, the Queen’s Mews continue to be an iconic element of the Royal British image and experience.

Submitted by Misty Rose