How the late Queen’s beloved pony Emma is going to play an important part in the final race meeting of the year at Ascot
She was the late Queen’s favourite horse who played a poignant role in the monarch’s funeral.
Now doting pony Emma has put her best hoof forward for one final tribute – donating her horseshoe to create a new trophy in honour of the late sovereign.
It will be presented to the ‘best shod horse’ at Ascot racecourse next Saturday, the final race meeting of the year, with judges assessing how well the horseshoes have been made and applied.
Emma’s horseshoe was provided by Queen Elizabeth’s horse handler Terry Pendry, a dedicated servant who worked in the royal household for 25 years.
Mr Pendry often rode alongside the Queen for her daily exercise in the grounds around Windsor Castle.
This continued weeks before her death, with Mr Pendry helping Her Majesty enjoy her final ride with Emma, who had been bought in 2004.
Queen Elizabeth II riding her beloved pony Emma at Windsor Castle (pictured)
Emma, the monarch’s fell pony, standing besides floral tributes as the Ceremonial Procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrived at Windsor Castle on October 8, 2022
Queen Elizabeth’s former Head Groom Terry Pendry walks the Queen’s favourite fell pony Emma at Windsor Castle
The former monarch was so frail he had to help her mount the pony, although she still bravely insisted on climbing into the saddle herself.
Instead of riding by her side, the Queen instead asked him to walk and make sure she wouldn’t fall.
And in one of the most touching moments at the monarch’s funeral, Mr Pendry stood alongside Emma to watch the hearse proceed down the Long Walk at Windsor, bowing his head and delicately placing a head scarf on Emma’s saddle.
A spokesperson for Ascot said: ‘It is extra special to have a trophy made from one of Emma’s shoes who was a horse so well loved by Queen Elizabeth II.
Emma, the monarch’s fell pony, stands by floral tributes to HM Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth as a young girl riding a Shetland Pony at London Zoo (pictured)
‘Horse racing and Ascot were both so important to her during her life and to tie this all together will be very special.’
The late monarch often presented a trophy on Ascot’s final race day for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, which were created in her honour in 1955.
