THE QUEEN AND HER HORSES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7029, 18 January 1910, Page 7

THE QUEEN AND HER HORSES

The Queen chooses the names for her horses and with reference to their characteristics. . For example, an old favourite, “ Marky’ was so named because it has a white mark on its nose and two different eyes. The driving ponies, Beua, Beau, Bello, 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. Sho could do anything she liked with Huffy, he " was so docile and affectionate. Some light grey Hungarian horses have the suitable names of Hungary', Austria, and Liedheustein, 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 foiir-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 moro than twenty 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. Tho Queen now rides occasionally a pretty chestnut pony - called Violet, specially drained for her use, but it has not the same place in her affection as Viva. Her Majesty has, boen 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 mounts, thus completing the scheme of colour. She uses tan riding-whips mounted with gold. It is" tho Queen’s custom to visit the.- stables frequently and, take little dainties, such as sugar, carrots, and apples,,for her favourites. —'Sarah A. Tooley, in “Tho Girl’s Realm.”