Royal Horse which retired to Devon is focus ahead of Prince Philip funeral
A Royal horse – who spent spending 18 years guarding Prince Philip and was involved in many of the biggest ceremonies – will be a focus in Devon as the Commonwealth pauses to reflect the life of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Last updated 17th Apr 2021
During his working life the horse had the official number 007, hence the name Connery.
Connery was lead horse for the Queens Official Birthday parade , wheel horse for the Queen and her consort for the state opening of parliament and wheel horse guarding Prince William and Kate .
The 22 year old is now living out his final years in retirement at Devon’s Pennywell Farm.
Chris Murray, owner of the attraction, said: “Connery was brought to England from Ireland at around 18 months old and would have started his training for royal duties from age 3. He has enjoyed a long and rewarding career including 16 Queen’s Birthday Parades and a Royal Tournament where amongst other things he jumped through a flaming hoop.
“Part of a troop of 30, Connery was an officer’s horse and Captain Jack Campbell was among those who knew Connery well. Jack grew up locally, his grandfather Brigadier Ralph Rayner having been the MP for Totnes from 1935 to 1955.
“With relatives still living just down the hill from Pennywell, Jack visited the farm to see how Connery had settled in and was pleased with what he saw,
“As you would expect, Connery is settling well into his new surroundings and already looks very comfortable.
“He was a magnificent horse, very steady and would never flinch. He didn’t need instruction as he would follow the trumpet blast and knew exactly what was expected. He has earned his retirement at Pennywell and being such a sociable horse, is already enjoying meeting all the visitors”.
“Jack also told a few secrets about Connery. He’s an excellent swimmer and he’s very partial to Extra Strong Mints which might explain his two fillings costing £800. Jack also explained that on parade he would look pristine with the help of some white chalk and grey boot polish to bring out his markings.
“Connery is part of a long tradition. The Queen’s Life Guard is provided by men of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Horse Guards. Horse Guards is named after the troops who have mounted The Queen’s Life Guard since the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660.”