The Queen's 'favourite' pony watched on as the Monarch's coffin was brought to Windsor Castle

The Queen’s pony, named Carltonlima Emma, was among the mourners who gathered at Windsor Castle as the late monarch was finally put to rest.

The miniature horse, nicknamed Emma, made the 25-mile (40.2 km) journey from Westminster Abbey to Windsor Castle yesterday (Monday, September 19), according to The Independent.

Emma showed off her luxurious black coat while she was accompanied by Terry Pendry, the Queen’s head groomer, who held the position for 25 years.

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The two stoically stood still as Pendry bowed his head while the State Hearse drove past as royal guards marched alongside it.

However, Emma was not the only four-legged friend in attendance, as the Queen’s beloved corgis Sandy and Muick also farewelled Her Majesty for the last time.

According to The Guardian, Pendry revealed to Horse & Hound magazine in 2020 that Emma was among the Queen’s favourite horses to ride. 

Queen Elizabeth II, who was also a patron of the Fell Pony Society, continued to ride Emma when she was well into her 90s.

The Independent also reported that as the Queen had a fierce love for horse riding, the Fell Pony Society surprised her with a lineup of 120 fell ponies for her 90th birthday in 2016.

Emma, who also hails from the herd of fell ponies, was bred by Murthwaite Stud of Cumbria, England, according to Breyer.

Murthwaite Stud is a highly renowned farm that allows its horses to live on semi-feral, just as their predecessors from the Viking era did. 

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This breed, which in the Nordic language translates to ‘mountain’, is known for its ground-covering trot as well as its stamina and intelligence.

So it’s no wonder the royal had an affinity for them.

Emma has one of the more prominent roles of the royal herd as she calls the mews at Windsor Castle. However, not only was the fell pony Her Majesty’s main squeeze, but the Queen’s granddaughters also rode Emma.

While the Queen was known to be an animal lover, according to Camilla, the Queen Consort, she always had a passion for horses and all things equestrian.

Town & Country reported that Camilla revealed in an interview with ITV’s Racing presenter Oli Bell: “I think this is her passion in life, and she loves it and you can tell how much she loves it. 

“She can tell you every horse she’s bred and owned, from the very beginning, she doesn’t forget anything. I can hardly remember what I bred a year ago, so she’s encyclopedia about her knowledge.”