The King: 'Five horses I'll never forget

In the noughties, H&H ran a series, “Five I Won’t Forget”, featuring riders’ favourite horses. The King – then Prince of Wales – shared his memories of those who’ve touched his heart, from racehorses and hunters to a dear polo pony

- David Edelsten

LIKE his parents, The King has always managed to fit horses into a busy life. A determined and versatile horseman, he excelled at polo, achieving a four-goal handicap when there were only 10 such players in the country. He was also a gutsy steeplechase jockey – he speaks with rueful pride of having completed Cheltenham only once – and, before the Hunting Act of 2004, the prince rode regularly to hounds in our most demanding countries.

REFLECTION

The one whose picture still graces the dressing room at Highgrove 

REFLECTION was the most marvellous roan mare. I think it must have been the late Sir John Miller who introduced me to her – she was with the Household Division Saddle Club at Melton and I was allowed to borrow her occasionally. She was one of those absolutely unique horses who just loved eating up the countryside. She never refused, ever. It made the whole business of riding across country the best possible fun.

She had been difficult as a youngster. Dr Tom Collins had her, found her impossible, I believe, and handed her back to the Saddle Club. Eventually, in the early 1980s, I was allowed to buy her.

I had more fun on Reflection than you would believe. She was one of those rather rare mares who never had a difficult moment. She wasn’t temperamental or anything like that; she was just extremely special. And in Leicestershire, she was fantastic.