Queen Elizabeth II has a long history of horsemanship, and is well-known for her beloved white horse. But what breed is this horse? For many, the answer is unclear. In this article, we’ll discuss the breed of the Queen’s white horse, examining its history, characteristics, popularity, and more.
History of the Breed
The breed of the Queen’s white horse is a Thoroughbred. Thoroughbreds are a breed of horse that originated in England in the late 17th century, and are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and grace. The breed was developed by crossbreeding three main breeds of horse: the Arabian, the Barb, and the English Running Horse.
Characteristics of the Breed
Thoroughbreds are typically tall and slender, with an average height of 16-17 hands (64-68 inches). They have a long neck and an arched crest, along with a short back, short croup, and strong hindquarters. They are typically bay, chestnut, or black in color.
Thoroughbreds are known for their speed, strength, and agility. They are used for racing, show jumping, and dressage, as well as for pleasure riding and general riding. They are also known for their intelligence and willingness to please, which makes them popular with experienced riders.
The Queen’s White Horse
The Queen’s white horse is a Thoroughbred named Burmese. Burmese was born in 1977, and was purchased by the Queen in 1983. She was the Queen’s mount for the 1983 Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Burmese is a white mare, standing 16.2 hands tall. She is known for her intelligence and willingness to please, as well as her strong and graceful movement.
The Queen’s Relationship with Horses
The Queen has had a long and successful career with horses, beginning in her youth. She has ridden in many races and shows, and is a skilled horsewoman. She is also known for her love of horses, and for her long-standing relationship with Burmese.
The Queen’s Other Horses
In addition to Burmese, the Queen has owned several other horses over the years. These horses include Balmoral, Dartmoor, Windsor, and Carlton.
Balmoral
Balmoral is a chestnut Thoroughbred stallion. He was born in 1983 and was the Queen’s mount for the 1986 Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Dartmoor
Dartmoor is a bay Thoroughbred gelding. He was born in 1987 and was the Queen’s mount for the 1995 Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Windsor
Windsor is a bay Thoroughbred gelding. He was born in 1994 and was the Queen’s mount for the 2012 Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Carlton
Carlton is a bay Thoroughbred gelding. He was born in 1998 and was the Queen’s mount for the 2019 Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Thoroughbreds in Popular Culture
Thoroughbreds are often used in movies, TV shows, and other popular media. One of the most popular depictions of a Thoroughbred is the character of Seabiscuit, a racehorse who became a beloved national hero in the 1930s. Other popular Thoroughbreds include the racehorse Secretariat and the fictional horse Spirit from the animated movie Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
Thoroughbreds in Sport
Thoroughbreds are popular in many sports, including horse racing, show jumping, and dressage. They are often used in endurance racing and eventing, as well as in show jumping and dressage competitions.
In racing, Thoroughbreds are known for their speed and agility. They are the most popular breed of horse for flat racing, and are also used in steeplechasing and hurdling.
In show jumping and dressage, Thoroughbreds are often preferred for their intelligence and willingness to please. They are known for their agility and grace, and are popular in both disciplines.
Conclusion
The breed of the Queen’s white horse is a Thoroughbred. Thoroughbreds are a breed of horse that originated in England in the late 17th century, and are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and grace. The Queen’s white horse, Burmese, is a white mare and was her mount for the 1983 Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Thoroughbreds are popular in many sports, including horse racing, show jumping, and dressage. They are also popular in popular culture, with characters such as Seabiscuit and Spirit being well-known.
Overall, the Queen’s white horse is a beautiful and impressive example of the Thoroughbred breed, and a testament to the Queen’s love of horses.