THE QUEEN AND HER HORSES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14223, 20 November 1909, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE QUEEN AND HER HORSES.

The Queen chooses the names for her horses and with reference to their characteristics. Foi example, an old favourite, " Marky," was so named because it has a white mark on its nose and two different eyes. The driving ponies, Bena, Beau, Belle, and Merry Antics, have also suggestive names. One may suppose that Huffy got his name because he put on airs at times; nevertheless, he was a very great pet indeed, and the Queen used to drive him in the Blues cart when she was visiting the cottages to take presents to the old people and oranges and sweetmeats for the children. He died a few years ago, and the Queen visited him to the last. She could do anything she liked with Huffy, lie was so docile and affectionate. Some light grey Hungarian horses have the suitable names of Hungary, Austria, and Liechenstein, and the four Hungarian ponies, which were a parting present from the King, some years - ago before he went for a tour in India, had national names. The Queen was devoted to these beautiful creatures, and used to drive them four-in-hand. They had fine flowing manes, and their tails were plaited and tied in a picturesque style. But first favourite of all was Viva, the sprightly, beautiful creature which the Queen rode for more than 20 years. The ears and forelock of Viva are preserved in a glass case in the harness room at Sandringham, and there is also; a model of her. The Queen now rides occasionally a pretty chestnut pony called Violet, specially trained for her use, ' but it has not the same place in her affection as Viva. Her Majesty has been from girlhood • a graceful and fearless rider, and rules her steeds by the law of kindness. She prefers brown horses, and likes them to have tan harness with brass mount, thus completing the scheme of colour. She uses tan riding whips mounted with gold. It is the Queen's custom to visit the stables frequently and take little dainties, such as sugar, carrots, and apples,-for.her favourites.