Queen Camilla visited the Ebony Riding Club in Brixton, South London, a charity she patronizes, where she met two horses loaned from the Royal Mews. The animals include Taylor, a 17-year-old fell pony that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II, and Margate, a former carriage horse affectionately known as Maggie.
Taylor and Maggie are now used to teach local children and young people how to ride and care for horses. Queen Camilla, who is the patron of the charity, praised the club, stating it has become 'bigger and better' since her last visit. She was seen stroking the horses and offering them sweets.
The visit highlighted the work of the Ebony Horse Club, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people aged 8 to 18 through access to horses. The club, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has seen several young riders go on to pursue careers in racing.
Queen Camilla toured the stables and observed improvements made to the horses' well-being, such as the removal of some stable bars to allow for greater socialization and the introduction of slow feeder nets of hay to replicate natural foraging. These changes have reportedly led to improved sleep and relaxation for the resident horses.
She met with pupils from Corpus Christi Primary School who participate in the club's program, learning riding, grooming, and stable management. The headteacher noted the program's positive impact on the children's confidence and opportunities.
During her visit, Queen Camilla watched a riding demonstration by two young participants, Adam Bentallah, 12, on Taylor, and Isaiah Clayton, 16, on Maggie. She presented them with trophies, calling Isaiah a "star rider" and Adam's award "very well deserved."
Jason Hawkes, a 17-year-old rider and volunteer, presented the Queen with flowers and spoke about the club's impact on his life, providing him with "freedom and opened my eyes to the world."
Chief Operating Officer Sid Holdsworth described the Queen's visit as "just so unbelievably special" and emphasized her consistent support for the club. The visit was particularly significant for the young people involved, who viewed it as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."