A FELL pony, a Shire, four Canadian-breds and dozens of Irish Draughts and Sport Horses from the Household Cavalry and London Metropolitan Police mounted units formed part of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession.

Leading off on Monday were four Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers on Darby, Elizabeth, George and Sir John, all gifted to the Queen over the years. In fact, her famous black mare - Burmese - ridden side-saddle by Her Majesty during 18 Trooping the Colour ceremonies, was another gift from Canada.

The majority of the Royal Household Cavalry black horses are sourced in Ireland and joining them on the route from Westminster Abbey was the 173cms Apollo, a Welsh-foaled Shire drum horse.

As well as her great interest in racing and bloodstock, the late Queen was patron of several equestrian organisations, including the British Horse Society and rare breeds such as the Cleveland Bay Horse Society and Fell Pony Society.

Fittingly, Carltonlima Emma, the Queen’s black Fell mare was held on the Long Walk by head groom Terry Pendry as the funeral cortege passed by.

Images of this poignant sight and of her two corgis Muick and Sandy, waiting at Windsor, were beamed around the world.