The Queens’ Horses: Royal Equine Traditions Explained

Introduction to the Queens’ Horses and Their Role

With a recent royal wedding shining a spotlight on pageantry and tradition, the Queens’ horses took centre stage as key symbols of British heritage. This article explores the breeds, roles, and stories behind these majestic animals, celebrated during state occasions across the United Kingdom.

Windsor Greys: The Royal Household’s Distinguished Grays

The term Windsor Grey refers not to a specific breed but to the grey horses carefully selected by the Royal Household for ceremonial duties. These horses, stabled at the Royal Mews in London, are chosen for their calm temperament and striking appearance. Initially trained to ride, they are subsequently broken to harness to pull carriages during state occasions.

The Royal family’s preference for Windsor Greys is historic. For example, at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Ascot Landau carriage was pulled by four Windsor Greys with two additional ones acting as outriders. A testimony to their significance is the life-sized statue of two famous Windsor Greys, Storm and Daniel, which was commissioned in 2013 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and unveiled in Windsor.

Cleveland Bays: A Rare and Valued Bay Breed

The Cleveland Bay horse, recognised by its rich bay colour and minimal markings, is one of the other main carriage breeds of the Royal Household. Originating from the Chapman Horse of the seventeenth century Cleveland Hills, they transitioned from farming to road horses, pulling vehicles and carrying packs.

By introducing Arabian and Thoroughbred bloodlines, the breed matured into a taller horse with notable strength and quality. Nowadays, although less popular as riding horses due to the rise of modern warmbloods, their continued patronage by the Royal Household has been vital for their survival. Unfortunately, the breed is currently listed as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, with fewer than 70 registered breeding females as of 2018.

Mounted Ceremonial Units: The Household Cavalry and King’s Troop

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment provides a distinguished escort during royal events. Their horses, known as 'Irish Blacks', are dark-coloured horses of drafted heritage, sourced mainly from Ireland and trained from a young age to carry out ceremonial duties with precision.

Another prominent unit, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, is famous for gun salutes and parades with First World War artillery guns. They utilise gun team horses, smaller stockier animals well-suited to pulling large unbraked guns, as well as larger chargers ridden during events such as the world-famous Musical Ride. The King’s Troop usually houses around 130-140 horses in their London barracks, offering crucial state and military funeral services with black horses and gun carriages.

The Queen’s Private Studs: Leisure and Sporting Horses

Beyond ceremonial duties, the Queen’s passion for horses extends to leisure and sport. The Royal Stud at Sandringham, established in 1886, specialises in breeding Thoroughbreds for racing. Balmoral Castle houses a Highland Pony Stud, reflecting the Queen’s strong support for this native breed. The Queen also keeps riding horses, collaborating with skilled producers such as Kate Jerram based in Essex.

The Royal Family’s Lifelong Connection to Equestrianism

The Royal family’s involvement across equestrian disciplines—racing, polo, showing, and driving—underscores their commitment to equine culture. Their consistent support and dedication to horses through various roles is deeply woven into Britain's national identity, inspiring public affection and respect for royal equestrian traditions.

By understanding these historic and modern roles, we appreciate how the Royal Household’s horses symbolise continuity, tradition, and national pride in the United Kingdom.