The Queen of England has long been associated with her black horses and they are well known around the world. But what breed are the Queen’s black horses? In this article, we will answer that question and explore the history of the Queen’s black horses, the characteristics of the breed, and the royal connections.
History
The Queen’s black horses have a long history and are closely associated with the monarchy. The Queen’s father, King George VI, was a great admirer of black horses and had several of them in his stables. The Queen inherited his love for the breed and has owned black horses for many years.
The Queen’s black horses are an important part of royal pageantry and have been part of state occasions, including the Queen’s coronation in 1953 and the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981. The Queen’s black horses have also been part of the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, which is held in London every June.
Breed
The Queen’s black horses are a breed known as Cleveland Bays. Cleveland Bays are an English breed of horse, originating in the North of England. They are a strong and hardy breed, with a distinctive bay colouring and black points.
Cleveland Bays are intelligent and willing horses, with a good temperament and an easy-going nature. They are well-suited to a variety of activities, from dressage to show-jumping. They are also used for carriage driving, which is a popular pastime for equestrians in the United Kingdom.
Appearance
Cleveland Bays are a large breed, with an average height of 16 hands at the withers. They have a strong and muscular frame, with a deep chest and powerful hindquarters. They have a long, arched neck, and a short, thick mane.
The most distinctive feature of the Cleveland Bay is their colouring. They are a bay colour, with black points, including the mane, tail, ears, and legs. The muzzle and eyes are usually dark, and the coat is usually glossy.
Care
Cleveland Bays require regular grooming and exercise to maintain their health and condition. They should be groomed daily, and their manes and tails should be kept neat and tidy. They should be exercised regularly, with long walks and trots, and occasional gallops.
Cleveland Bays need to be fed a balanced diet, with plenty of hay and grain. They should also be provided with a salt lick and regular dental check-ups.
Uses
Cleveland Bays are a versatile breed and can be used for a variety of activities. They are popular for dressage and show-jumping, as well as carriage driving. They are also used for hunting, and can make excellent trail horses.
Health
Cleveland Bays are generally a healthy breed, with few health problems. However, they can be prone to lameness, due to their heavy bone structure. They can also be prone to colic, and should be monitored for any digestive issues.
Royal Connections
The Queen’s black horses are a symbol of the monarchy and have been part of royal pageantry for many years. The Queen has owned several black horses over the years, and they have been part of many state occasions.
The Queen’s most famous black horse is Balmoral, who is ridden by the Queen during the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony. Balmoral is a Cleveland Bay, and he has been with the Queen since 1996.
Conclusion
The Queen’s black horses are a breed known as Cleveland Bays. These horses are strong and hardy, with a bay colouring and black points. They are intelligent and willing horses, with a good temperament and an easy-going nature.
The Queen’s black horses are an important part of royal pageantry, and they are symbols of the monarchy. The Queen has owned several black horses over the years, and they have been part of many state occasions.
Overall, the Queen’s black horses are a wonderful breed, with a long and distinguished history. They are an important part of the Royal Family, and their presence in state occasions is a reminder of the monarchy’s long history.