Her Majesty The Queen

‘An inspiration to millions around the world’

NO LIST OF inspiring equestrian women would be complete without Her Majesty The Queen. A keen horsewoman from an early age, Princess Elizabeth was given her first pony — a Shetland named Peggy — on her fourth birthday by her grandfather, King George V. Since then, The Queen’s love of horses has been enduring. Along with a passion for riding, she has also been heavily involved with racing, being crowned the British flat racing champion owner twice (in 1954 and 1957). Another highlight was when her horse Estimate won the Gold Cup at Ascot in 2013. Estimate’s win was the first time that a reigning monarch had won the race. Being a keen horsewoman, it’s no surprise that The Queen’s horse-loving genes have been passed on through her family. Her daughter Anne, the Princess Royal, was the first member of the British royal family to compete in an Olympic Games (more on her on p28), while Prince Charles, our future king, was a regular on the competitive polo scene from an early age. Nearly all of The Queen’s grandchildren ride too. It’s an impressive CV and The Queen’s contribution to equestrian sport hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2014, the FEI awarded her its first Lifetime Achievement award. “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is a lifelong lover of horses who has inspired millions around the world,” said HRH Princess Haya when she presented the award. “She is a true horsewoman, and her knowledge of breeding and bloodlines is incredible. The bond between The Queen and horses is truly extraordinary.”