The Lady Somerleyton, President of the Horse Trust
It gives me great pleasure to be able to welcome you all here today.
We are delighted to have the use of the Royal Mews for this very special
occasion. I would like to thank all those who have made this possible.
I want to give you a very brief history of The Home Of Rest for Horses which is,
I believe, the oldest horse welfare organisation in the world, and was inaugurated
120 years ago, only a quarter of a mile away from here in St James’s , by the founder
Anne Lindo. She had read Anna Sewell’s novel “Black Beauty” and recognised the plight
of the working horse caused largely through ignorance and lack of welfare.
The original home not only cared for the overworked horse but tried to educate their
owners and to lend them fit horses until their own had recovered sufficiently to return
to work.
They were also able to leave their horse or pony at the home while they were sick, on
holiday or in prison.
Times have changed: there are fewer working horses. We were set up to care for the working
horse/pony and the less well off owners so, so while looking after just over 100 horses and
ponies, we focus on preventing the need, by demonstrating and promoting responsible horse
ownership.
It is all too easy to buy or borrow a horse, pony or donkey but not so easy to look after and
pay for it, so we teach the three Cs of horse ownership Commitment, Care and Cost. Our message
is "if you can’t manage these don’t do it".
We are very proud of our Royal Patronage which started with Prince Albert and continued with Queen
Alexandra and Queen Mary. Your Royal Highness, we are most grateful for the time and interest you
give to us as our 21st century Patron.
Before handing over to you I am sure that everyone would like to congratulate you on your daughter
Zara’s marvellous achievement in winning the individual gold medal at Aachen.
