Queen Camilla Returns to Ebony Riding Club, 25 Years After Its Opening
Queen Camilla has returned to an inner-city riding centre in south London that she helped open a quarter of a century ago, marking a special visit that also allowed her to meet two horses with links to the Royal Family. During her visit to Ebony Riding Club in Brixton, the Queen praised the organisation for being “bigger and better” than it had been in the past and took particular interest in two of its newest residents.
Camilla, who has served as president of Ebony Riding Club since 2009, visited the centre to learn more about its work with local children and young people. The charity provides opportunities for members of the community to learn how to ride, care for and build relationships with horses. The Queen was given a tour of the facilities and spent time meeting the animals, including two horses that have recently arrived from the Royal Mews.
Among them was Taylor, a 17-year-old black mare with a remarkable connection to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Taylor previously accompanied Queen Elizabeth and her much-loved Fell pony, Emma, during their regular outings. She was often seen travelling alongside the late monarch and her pony under the care of the Queen’s head groom, Terry Pendry.
Earlier this summer, Taylor was transferred from the Royal Mews to Ebony Riding Club in Brixton. She was joined by another former royal horse, Margate, affectionately known as Maggie. The arrival of the two animals has given the riding centre a unique opportunity to introduce local youngsters to horses with an extraordinary royal history.
When Camilla was introduced to the two horses, she immediately showed her affection for them. Smiling as she approached the animals, she asked, “Where are my polos?” before offering them Polo mints as treats. She stroked and patted both horses and appeared delighted to see them settling into their new surroundings.
Maggie has an equally interesting background. The horse is a Cleveland Bay, a historic British breed, and was bred at Hampton Court before being trained and used as a carriage horse. She remained part of the Royal Mews until a period following the Coronation. However, an injury eventually meant that she was no longer physically able to continue pulling carriages.
After taking a three-year break, Maggie was given a new role through a loan to Ebony Riding Club. Together with Taylor, she is now helping the charity deliver riding and horse-care activities to children and young people in the local area. Their presence at the centre means that participants can not only develop practical riding skills but also interact with horses that have played a part in royal life.
During her visit, Camilla was also shown around the stables and learned about several changes that have been made to improve the horses’ living conditions. One of the most significant alterations involved removing some of the bars separating individual stalls. This has created a more open environment in which the horses can see and interact with one another.
The decision to make the stables more open was reportedly inspired by the behaviour of a horse named Tommy. Staff noticed that Tommy was unwilling to lie down at night, raising concerns about whether he felt sufficiently comfortable and secure in his surroundings. Volunteers and staff subsequently changed the layout of the stables to give the horses greater freedom to socialise.
The results appear to have been positive. According to volunteer Sarah Cope, the more open arrangement has had a noticeable effect on the horses’ welfare. Tommy, in particular, has become considerably calmer and now appears to feel safer in his environment. The changes have also contributed to better sleeping patterns among the horses as a whole.
Cope explained to Camilla that Tommy had become “much more relaxed” and now felt secure in the stable. The Queen listened closely as she was told about the impact of the changes, showing her continued interest in animal welfare and the care of horses.
The visit also highlighted the important role Ebony Riding Club plays within the local community. Although located in an inner-city area, the centre provides young people with access to an activity that might otherwise seem difficult to reach. Through riding lessons and horse-care programmes, the organisation gives participants the chance to develop practical skills, responsibility and confidence.
Camilla’s long association with the club makes her visit particularly significant. She first became involved with Ebony Riding Club around 25 years ago, when the centre was opened, and she has remained connected to the organisation over the years. Her position as president since 2009 has allowed her to support its development and recognise its contribution to the community.
The arrival of Taylor and Maggie represents another important stage in the club’s history. Their transition from royal service to community work demonstrates how horses that once had demanding roles can continue to contribute in different ways. Instead of pulling carriages or accompanying members of the Royal Family, the two horses are now helping a new generation discover the rewards of working with animals.
For Taylor, the move to Brixton marks a major change from her previous life alongside Queen Elizabeth and Emma. Her connection with the late Queen gives her a special place in the history of the Royal Mews, while her new role at Ebony Riding Club allows local youngsters to benefit from her experience.
Maggie’s story is similarly one of transition. After her injury prevented her from continuing as a carriage horse, she was given time away from work before being placed with the riding charity. Her move demonstrates how retired or injured working horses can still have valuable and fulfilling lives when provided with appropriate care and a suitable environment.
Camilla’s visit therefore brought together several themes: the legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth, the changing roles of royal horses, improvements in animal welfare and the importance of community-based organisations. Her warm interaction with Taylor and Maggie also offered a personal moment during an otherwise official visit.
As the Queen toured the centre and spoke with staff and volunteers, it was clear that Ebony Riding Club has continued to evolve since she first became involved with it. The organisation’s expanded facilities, improved approach to horse welfare and growing collection of activities reflect its efforts to meet the needs of both animals and the young people it serves.
Her description of the riding school as “bigger and better” than ever was therefore more than a simple compliment. It reflected the centre’s development over the past 25 years and its continuing importance to the Brixton community.
For the horses, meanwhile, their new home offers a quieter and more socially engaging environment. Taylor and Maggie have moved from the world of royal duties into a setting where their main responsibility is helping children learn. Their presence gives Ebony Riding Club an unusual connection with the Royal Family while allowing them to begin a new chapter in their lives.
The Queen’s visit ultimately celebrated both the past and the future: the memories associated with Queen Elizabeth and her beloved Emma, and the new opportunities now available to young riders in Brixton. By welcoming former royal horses into its programme and continuing to improve the welfare of all its animals, Ebony Riding Club is demonstrating how tradition and community service can come together in a meaningful way.
