Horseback Riding Was Her Lifelong Passion
A royal equestrian lifestyle! It all began at the tender age of two when, in the fall of 1928, when her parents took her to Naseby Hall in Northamptonshire for the hunting season. And like all passionate horse people…Lilibet was hooked! By January 1930, when she was just three years old, her riding lessons took place in the private riding school at Buckingham Palace Mews.
An Accomplished Little Rider
A Family Affair
Growing up, Lilibet was Her Majesty’s childhood nickname, one fondly adopted as a moniker by the Queen’s grandparents and parents during her early childhood when she struggled to pronounce her name, calling herself Lilibet instead.The former King famously once said: “Lilibet is my pride; Margaret is my joy.”
The “pride” George felt about Elizabeth refers to the way the young princess carried herself as she prepared for a lifetime of in her future role as Sovereign. Meanwhile, Margaret, with no clear-cut public role, was more rebellious in nature, hence the name “joy”, and would later go on to develop a reputation as a party-loving princess. 🙂
A “Grown Up” Princess
The Family Tradition Continues…
Racing Becomes A Passion
Elizabeth acquired her own racing colors in 1949 of scarlet with purple hooped sleeves and black cap, when she and her mother jointly bought the steeplechaser Monaveen. Monaveen was the first winner in the princess’s colors in the Chichester Handicap Chase at Fontwell Park, on October 10 1949.
The Queen’s first winner as monarch was Choir Boy in the Wilburton Handicap at Newmarket on May 13 1952.
In 1954, the Queen’s horses, including Aureole, were so successful that she was the leading winner-owner. She repeated the triumph in 1957.
Horse Shows A Favorite Pastime!
Along with racing, the Queen love attending horse shows.
And Of Course Hacking Out!
A Dream We all Share!
Queen Elizabeth’s love of horses is a lifelong one. In 2014, in fact, the beloved monarch, who has been riding horses for most of her nine decades, was presented with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to the sport!
