News
HRH welcomes Ella the working horse to Clarence House as Patron of the British Horse Loggers
3rd December 2010
The Prince of Wales's Christmas tree was delivered to Clarence House today by a sustainable form of transport - a working horse.
Ella, a grey Percheron mare, had the privilege of pulling a cart carrying the pine tree into the royal residence where The Prince was waiting to greet her and representatives of the British Horse Loggers, of which he is Patron.
At the reins was Doug Joiner, Chairman of the British Horse Loggers.
His Royal Highness has been a supporter of the working horse industry for a number of years and met Ella a few years ago when he visited Cornwall to learn about the work of Mr Joiner, who is a professional logger and woodland manager.
Another working horse, Dot, a British cob mare, also went along ahead of a reception The Prince hosted for the loggers at Clarence House.
As The Prince posed for a picture with the animals and Mr Joiner, a member of his household brought out a plate of carrots for The Prince to feed to the horses.
His Royal Highness joked with the woodland manager, saying: "Would you like a carrot?" The Prince burst out laughing when he said "Yes" and duly handed one over.
Also invited to the reception were organisers of the British Festival of the Working Horse, the first of its kind, which will be staged in 2012.
The animals play an unsung role in many areas from horticulture and small-scale agriculture to fruit production and even work in urban areas and pedestrianised zones.
The festival will take place in Windsor Great Park in September 2012 and will feature horses involved in work, competitions and in the main performance ring.
Apprentice logger Richard Eames, 34, from Thatcham in Berkshire, said it was important for his industry that figures like The Prince supported their work.
He added: "I've been an apprentice for a year out of a three-year course and this is my dream job, I love working outdoors and with horses."
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