The Queen of England is known for her love of horses, and the Royal Family’s stables of horses and other equines is testament to this. Her Majesty has owned horses since her coronation in 1952 and has amassed a large collection, with the number of horses and other equines in her stable estimated to be around 250. Let’s take a look at how many horses does The Queen have and what other equines she owns.
How Many Horses Does The Queen Have?
The exact number of horses that the Queen owns is not known, however, it is estimated to be around 250. The Queen is known to have a great love of horses and she is the patron of many horse racing events and equestrian sports, including the Royal Windsor Horse Show, the British Horse Society, and the British Showjumping Association.
The Queen’s horses are kept in stables at a number of locations. Her personal horses are kept at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and at the Queen’s Royal Studs in Suffolk. The Royal Horses also travel to locations around the world for events, such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show, and they are looked after by a team of grooms and specialists.
Types of Horses Owned by The Queen
The Queen owns a wide variety of horses, from thoroughbreds and showjumpers to carriage horses and ponies. She is known to have a particular fondness for Arabians, which she has owned since her coronation.
- Thoroughbreds: These are used for racing, showjumping, and dressage.
- Arabians: These are used for dressage and showjumping.
- Cob and Hunter: These are used for showing and hunting.
- Carriage Horses: These are used for pulling carriages at state occasions and other events.
- Ponies: These are used for riding and carriage driving.
What Other Equines Does The Queen Own?
In addition to horses, the Queen also owns a number of other equines, such as donkeys, mules, and Shetland ponies. These animals are used for riding and carriage-driving, as well as for light agricultural work.
The Queen’s Horses at Royal Events
The Queen’s horses are a regular sight at royal events, such as state visits, royal weddings, and the Trooping of the Colour. At these events, the Queen and her family can be seen riding in carriages pulled by her horses, or taking part in ceremonial parades. Her horses are also raced at Royal Ascot, the most prestigious horse racing event in England.
The Queen’s Horses and Charitable Causes
The Queen’s horses are also used to promote charitable causes. In 2013, the Queen and Prince Philip took part in a carriage procession to raise money for the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Trust. The Queen also donates her horses to charities, such as the British Horse Society, which works to protect and improve equine welfare.
The Care of The Queen’s Horses
The Queen’s horses are looked after by a team of grooms, farriers, and specialists. They are kept in stables at Buckingham Palace and the Queen’s Royal Studs in Suffolk, and are provided with the best care, including regular exercise, grooming, and veterinary check-ups. The Queen’s horses have been known to travel around the world for events, and are always accompanied by a team of grooms and specialists to ensure their welfare.
The Cost of The Queen’s Horses
The cost of owning and maintaining the Queen’s horses is significant, and the Royal Family spends a considerable amount of money on the care of their equines. The cost of buying a horse can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, while the cost of maintaining a horse can run into tens of thousands of pounds per year.
The Queen’s Horses and the Environment
The Queen’s horses also play an important role in protecting and preserving the environment. The Queen’s horses are provided with natural feeds, such as hay and grass, which helps to protect the environment by reducing the amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in horse care. The Queen also promotes sustainable practices, such as the use of renewable energy sources and water-saving measures, at her stables.
The Queen’s Horses and the Economy
The Queen’s horses have a positive economic impact, as they contribute to the British economy by providing employment for grooms, farriers, and other specialists. The Royal Family also supports the British equestrian industry by buying horses from British breeders and supporting British equestrian events.
Conclusion
The Queen of England is known for her love of horses, and her stable of horses and other equines is testament to this. The exact number of horses that the Queen owns is not known, however, it is estimated to be around 250. The Queen’s horses are kept in stables at a number of locations, and they are looked after by a team of grooms and specialists. The Queen’s horses are used for a variety of activities, including racing, showjumping, dressage, carriage-driving, and hunting. In addition to horses, the Queen also owns a number of other equines, such as donkeys, mules, and Shetland ponies. The Queen’s horses are also used to promote charitable causes, and the cost of owning and maintaining the Queen’s horses is significant. The Queen’s horses have a positive economic impact, and they also contribute to the protection and preservation of the environment.