tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post3794811546566485326..comments2024-03-29T00:11:30.648+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: Horses - the counter balance to Monarchy ... Hilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-90080142630702882232013-06-12T09:30:04.359+01:002013-06-12T09:30:04.359+01:00How interesting. I haven't really appreciated ...How interesting. I haven't really appreciated this side of the Queen fully. Am catching up on your fascinating posts now I have a spare moment - have been very busy. Thank you Hilary.Juliethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01542985048406828693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-40042540541651008662013-06-08T08:03:39.126+01:002013-06-08T08:03:39.126+01:00@ Tara - glad you enjoyed the combination of royal...@ Tara - glad you enjoyed the combination of royalty and horses ..<br /><br />@ Rosaria - thanks - I guess I must throw a different light at times .. just delighted you enjoy the postings<br /><br />Thanks to you both .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-87712258328248547122013-06-07T17:20:51.072+01:002013-06-07T17:20:51.072+01:00Always a pleasure getting to know a bit of history...Always a pleasure getting to know a bit of history through the eyes of a contemporary blogger! What a great service you provide, H.Rosaria Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133147851332084180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-82230872410450186552013-06-07T14:26:39.544+01:002013-06-07T14:26:39.544+01:00oh the life of royalty. beautiful horses & fas...oh the life of royalty. beautiful horses & fascinating facts, as usual! Tara Tylerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-66719376941268382312013-06-07T08:08:32.572+01:002013-06-07T08:08:32.572+01:00Thanks Nas - if your hubby is horse mad he'd k...Thanks Nas - if your hubby is horse mad he'd know way more than me .. and love the story here .. protecting all the breeds etc .. <br /><br />Thanks so much .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-85561562386099960152013-06-06T23:31:17.916+01:002013-06-06T23:31:17.916+01:00A lovely post, Hilary and so interesting. I just s...A lovely post, Hilary and so interesting. I just showed all the photo to my horse-mad hubby!<br /><br />NasRomance Reader https://www.blogger.com/profile/10633164931292182035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-5939635107377768492013-06-06T07:00:29.370+01:002013-06-06T07:00:29.370+01:00@ Janice .. I'm sure they are! Just never qui...@ Janice .. I'm sure they are! Just never quite acclimatised this version!!<br /><br />@ Patricia - I'm sure your mother was right about getting a different laundered nightgown every night - but I've no idea!<br /><br />I'm sure the Queen was delighted to share a horse story with your father - and what an interesting tale to tell his children.<br /><br />@ Sia - I think all animals do that don't they .. and the fresh air. Then an animal will just be with you .. so it makes sense about the relaxing around them.<br /><br />I know we saw the animals being affectionate with their handlers and the Queen loved being with them .. <br /><br />Your Arab, Sassy, sounds lovely .. and what fun to be around her and share those times with her .. endearing thought.<br /><br />Doctari obviously appreciates you too .. <br /><br />I hear you .. re the sense of peace and their love when you're around together .. <br /><br />Thanks - gorgeous comment ..<br /><br />@ Kittie - yes the Queen sure is of the gold standard, as we've just seen in the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Coronation.<br /><br />Interesting story about the Queen and your senator .. she used to put plays on for the royals when she was a child ... and she must have seen many performances of Shakespeare over the years .. <br /><br />Another fascinating snippet of information that I didn't know about .. good for our Queen winning!<br /><br />Cheers to you all .. <br /><br />I'm getting on with the Coronation posts, in London today .. hope to get one up tomorrow .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-91414353287965464432013-06-06T00:31:16.404+01:002013-06-06T00:31:16.404+01:00Long live the Queen! She is such a comforting cons...Long live the Queen! She is such a comforting constant!<br />I also know very little about horses, but your post was so beautifully written, I can see how they helped shaped Queen Elizabeth's reign.<br /><br />The Queen is also knowledgable about Shakespeare. Years ago, one of our senators, Sen. Byrd from West Virginia, also a Shakespeare scholar (and very counter to his image) and the Queen would come together upon occasion to see if one could trick the other with a question about a Shakespearean play. The Queen usually won the day.Kittie Howardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07756250649095903317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-65409373502517691302013-06-05T19:29:49.440+01:002013-06-05T19:29:49.440+01:00Very interesting post, Hilary. I can see the benef...Very interesting post, Hilary. I can see the benefit of balancing cerebral stress of a high profile job and hands on care of animals. <br /><br />Animals really don't care who you are or what your position is. You can relax around them and be yourself. <br /><br />Horses ARE affectionate to those they care about. My Arab, Sassy, is one who likes to touch me, nuzzle me, she even tries to groom my hair, lol! She walks beside me if I'm walking in the pasture. She always greets me from where ever she is in which ever pasture when I come outside. If I stand still she lays her head on my shoulder.<br /><br />My quarter horse, Doctari is a bit more reserved but he also greets me and comes up for petting or brushing. <br /><br />Animals have always given me a sense of peace and so much love when I'm around them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.siamckye.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Sia McKye OVER COFFEE</a> ~Sia McKye~https://www.blogger.com/profile/08470562659597351033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-54246409108771254602013-06-05T19:01:36.495+01:002013-06-05T19:01:36.495+01:00My mum was always very interested in the Royal fam...My mum was always very interested in the Royal family and kept us posted over the years - more about their political actions than style and horses. My mum was not a horse fan, but she liked the polite and proper and thought the Queen should not just have a pressed nightgown every night, but as Queen she should have a different, clean, pressed nightgown every night! <br /><br />My father met Queen Elizabeth at the end of WWII and he loved horses, especially the 2 huge work horses that he drove as a school bus or sleigh in the Canadian Prairies to get all the children in the area to school. He spoke to the Queen about Education (He was HM Education Officer in the Navy) and they shared a horse story Patriciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00649391137077220495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-23165438720871228052013-06-05T11:58:21.171+01:002013-06-05T11:58:21.171+01:00Horses - just overgrown dogs, really;-)Horses - just overgrown dogs, really;-)jabbloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12176958811589489979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-2147294855361737252013-06-05T07:36:48.426+01:002013-06-05T07:36:48.426+01:00@ Gattina - I'm sure the Queen loves her child...@ Gattina - I'm sure the Queen loves her children - but she is head of state and there are responsibilities - I'm sure as a mother she would have preferred to be with her family .. but that was not an option. I'm glad your son had the opportunity to try riding and you now love them. <br /><br />You were lucky to have that treat with your grandmother .. a lovely memory ..<br /><br />@ Lynn - I'm sorry your friends didn't want to brave the crowds - as I'm sure the Trooping of the Colour is an amazing sight in real life.<br /><br />@ Glynis - the Queen's face does light up doesn't it .. I ended up on the ground, not even hanging on - unceremoniously dumped ... <br /><br />@ Laura - I knew I was educating myself, and knew then I forgot the vicissitudes of my mother being terminally ill .. but had never separated the reason for blogging into an intellectual and emotional realisation before .. <br /><br />Delighted to read you enjoy the blog with its various topics, insights and then opening those avenues that go elsewhere .. <br /><br />Horses offer such a great experience .. I always wanted to ride, but obviously fear took over and the poor horse wasn't too happy either! Glad you enjoyed the photos .. <br /><br />@ Bish - thankfully there were good reference sources .. donkeys are incredible creatures too .. Wiki provided me with good pics.<br /><br />@ DG - congratulations on that Elizabeth in your name, my mother had too - I didn't get Elizabeth .. <br /><br />I'd love to be able to draw ..how lovely you could learn from her and then enjoy her love art too.<br /><br />Oh dear - doesn't sound like a very good trek leader if that was allowed to happen and sounds an uncomfortable landing .. <br /><br />@ Nutschell - yes 60 years on the throne .. they are all doing well considering!<br /><br />@ Karen - horses are majestic aren't they .. and I'm honoured you're happy being here .. I love being with everyone too ..<br /><br />@ Gary - no worries .. life is busy and there are definitely moments I feel overwhelmed. <br /><br />I was glad the horse programme appeared on telly, as too the Coronation celebrations yesterday .. I did watch.<br /><br />Just something clicked with the realisation as to how much the blog has helped the journey of terminal illness ... and my ability to come out into the light of my own life as I had something positive to get on with ... <br /><br />Thanks Gary - I hope you're holding up with being so busy .. <br /><br />@ Sherry - yes animals are great absorbers of feelings aren't they .. <br /><br />Cheers to you all and thanks so much for coming by .. Hilary<br /><br />Hilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-60339142214860875442013-06-05T01:20:10.294+01:002013-06-05T01:20:10.294+01:00Animals do understand kindness!Animals do understand kindness!Sherry Ellishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844837212122243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-76029392812263923452013-06-05T01:07:42.694+01:002013-06-05T01:07:42.694+01:00Hi Hilary,
Terribly sorry for not visiting your s...Hi Hilary,<br /><br />Terribly sorry for not visiting your site as of recent. It's been rather hectic and I'm trying to catch up.<br /><br />It is well documented the Queen's love of horses. And your in-depth article brings more to light. I know she rather likes to go to the occasional race. <br /><br />I rode a pony one time at the London Zoo. I put the picture up on my blog a little while ago.<br /><br />Did you see the Coronation celebrations on the telly? <br /><br />Most importantly, this posting triggered an emotive sense within your heart. Bless you and the poignant reflection at the end of your posting.<br /><br />Cheers and to your health, Hilary.<br /><br />Gary klahaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08613505424843475639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-91414846346830647942013-06-04T23:47:43.203+01:002013-06-04T23:47:43.203+01:00I've always thought horses were such majestic ...I've always thought horses were such majestic animals. Thanks so much for sharing all of this info. I am so glad to be a part of your blogging journey. It's been such a blessing getting to know you a bit through your blog. Looking forward to all good things to come! :)Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-40224853612179224822013-06-04T17:43:15.953+01:002013-06-04T17:43:15.953+01:00wow 60 years! Long live the queen indeed--and thei...wow 60 years! Long live the queen indeed--and their horses too:)<br />Nutschell<br />www.thewritingnut.comnutschellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967710710805174781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-16171361622928252082013-06-04T16:48:41.000+01:002013-06-04T16:48:41.000+01:00Horses have always intrigued me.
When I was young...Horses have always intrigued me. <br />When I was young, my mother would draw horses for me, and I would try to copy her drawing. It's how I became interested in art. <br /><br />Hubs doesn't care for horses, so my kids and I went for a vacation ride once. The lady leading the trail ride didn't tighten the saddle enough, so it started slipping as we went uphill. But that's another story.<br /><br />I do have a soft spot for the Queen, and my mother liked her enough to throw an Elizabeth into my formal name.D.G. Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06213237734772028645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-27954615116238558222013-06-04T16:13:41.171+01:002013-06-04T16:13:41.171+01:00That's a lot of horses!And you've written ...That's a lot of horses!And you've written quite an informative piece, for someone who is not a horse person. Neither am I, though I have ridden them. I prefer donkeys.<br /><br />I love that last picture of the miniature and the full sized running.Bish Denhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13359927719391990534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-80935049330660275232013-06-04T13:45:40.424+01:002013-06-04T13:45:40.424+01:00I'm so happy you've found a greater purpos...I'm so happy you've found a greater purpose in blogging, dear Hilary. I know you've enriched my life with your topics and insights, opening avenues I might not otherwise have explored.<br />That Fell pony is beautiful. I don't think I've seen one before. The miniature horse cracks me up. It's so cute!<br />I loved and rode horses when I was much younger but haven't in years now. Never have I tried to sit sidesaddle. It looks like pure torture!Laura Enohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09982794146667832204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-89194944145546783212013-06-04T13:22:43.368+01:002013-06-04T13:22:43.368+01:00I love seeing HRH face light up when she is near a...I love seeing HRH face light up when she is near a horse. I wish I could ride. I tried it once, and ended upside down with a slipped saddle. Last time I sat one one! Glynis Peters https://www.blogger.com/profile/01175378917872403609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-16547169751313534272013-06-04T11:21:32.729+01:002013-06-04T11:21:32.729+01:00I always love your informative posts like this. I...I always love your informative posts like this. I wanted to attend that trooping of colors one June when I visited England, but my fellow travelers didn't want to brave the crowds. I would have loved to see Queen Elizabeth.Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13984802196897920610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-87157435750964661592013-06-04T08:29:13.751+01:002013-06-04T08:29:13.751+01:00It's well known that the Queen loves her horse...It's well known that the Queen loves her horses and corgis more then their children who had a rather poor childhood. We saw the preparation for this event at the horse guards in London, they started to put up the seats probably for VIPs. <br />I was always afraid of horses, although my son started riding as a child, a drama for me to drive him there. Now I love them and can even pet them ! <br />My grandma took me to the cinema to watch the coronation in 1953 ! What an event for a little girl. It was the first time I had been in a cinema !!Gattinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06636525277807715146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-29622081224793586652013-06-04T07:12:56.651+01:002013-06-04T07:12:56.651+01:00@ Inger - thanks so much .. I remember your A-Z po...@ Inger - thanks so much .. I remember your A-Z posts about your journey across America and know horses featured prominently and showed your love of animals. I'd love to share your joy .. something that never happened in my life .. but the Queen and her love of animals is very apparent.<br /><br />@ Julie - isn't the Fell pony gorgeous .. you and I are in the same category .. not too comfortable around the creatures, but love looking at them.<br /><br />@ Alex - she funds her horses from her own pocket. Horses usually throw me .. I'm not happy with that - I haven't been bitten though!<br /><br />@ Tasha - that must so wonderful to look out across at - and see the animals just grazing, or enjoying themselves. You're right about the working with animals .. it is very therapeutic and relieves stress. Like you I love seeing the animals portrayed in films, or in our pageantry .. and when they're 'dressed up' as they would have appeared in that era ... <br /><br />@ Val - I'd hate to lose all the custom and tradition and that history .. swapping our pageantry for grey suits = no thank you!<br /><br />Like you though I wouldn't like to live in a goldfish bowl .. the Queen and Prince Philip have been pretty impeccable in their lives and as you say still riding in their 80s ... now Prince Philip is 91 - 92 next Sunday .. <br /><br />@ Suzanne - I loved the thought of them, and have always liked watching them .. just never quite caught the bug of riding ..<br /><br />@ Leigh - I too would love to have a few or more horses, ponies and a farm to nurture as part of my life. Glad I put the picture in of the two horses for comparison .. they are sweet aren't they, those miniatures ... <br /><br />@ Mary - what a fabulous dream to have .. where would you have your stables - around your astronomy observatory? Wonderful sight to see ... <br /><br />@ Jo - I gave riding a try, my best friend rode .. but I never made the grade. I hadn't realised how involved the Queen was in the Rare Breeds and their protection, or in the breeding of her thoroughbreds -so glad you enjoyed the post.<br /><br />@ Holly - thanks .. nice to see you ..<br /><br />@ Julia - yes it's interesting how much can intertwine in our lives .. and how essential love and passion are when we strive to achieve our best as humans.<br /><br />@ Janie - I know the Queen Mother certainly ensured her daughter grew up around horses .. but who knows what happened .. it's always possible I guess. The Queen Mother loved racing though and had racing horses herself .. <br /><br />@ MJ - so pleased you enjoy the dual aspect of this post .. and both are incredible subjects, I agree ..<br /><br />@ Susan - I love horses, have never got to grips with racing though ... the other events I love watching.<br /><br />Your poor old ride - no teeth .. and she was still working - something slightly wrong there .. <br /><br />re the Coronation - yes we had mugs, and I'm sure books, though I don't remember those - good memories to have re your grandmother though ..<br /><br />Thanks so much - so delighted you're all enjoying reading this .. cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-9374043647862476352013-06-04T05:05:28.567+01:002013-06-04T05:05:28.567+01:00Once again, another interesting post. I do love ho...Once again, another interesting post. I do love horses, but it's been a lot of years since I went riding. The last horse I rode was kinda pitiful I brought an apple with me, but the old mare I'd been rented didn't have a single tooth. Poor thing. <br /><br />Hard to believe the coronation was sixty years ago, isn't it? My grandmother from Scotland was living with us at the time, and she gave me a book about the coronation. The pictures in it were beautiful. Too bad I don't still have it. Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-50952157267893408132013-06-04T04:35:08.677+01:002013-06-04T04:35:08.677+01:00This is a fascinating post. I enjoy learning about...This is a fascinating post. I enjoy learning about royalty, and the horses, oh my, they are truly phenomenal!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com