Give a Warm Welcome to our Newest Sponsor Horse, Maryland!

Sponsor Maryland

Please give a warm welcome to our newest sponsor horse, Maryland, affectionately known as Mary. After an incredible 15 years as a ceremonial carriage horse at the Royal Mews, Mary retired to our Home of Rest for Horses in 2022, where she is now lovingly spending her days in the beautiful Chilterns. During her service, Mary carried high commissioners as they presented their credentials to the monarch. Now, we’re thrilled to bring her closer to you through our sponsorship scheme.

With her stunning bay coat and Cleveland Bay heritage, Mary was perfectly suited to her role in the Royal Mews. Bays like Mary have long been trusted to carry high commissioners, while greys pull carriages for the Royal Family. Throughout her career, Mary was part of some of the Royal Family’s most significant occasions, often side by side with our beloved late Horse Trust resident, Sydney. Together, they attended State Visits, State Openings of Parliament, and Trooping the Colour. Mary also tried her hoof at showing with the Royal Mews Show Team!

What makes Mary’s story even more special is that she was bred and named by the late Queen Elizabeth II herself! As a Cleveland Bay, Mary represents the oldest English horse breed—a breed that is in danger of becoming extinct, according to the Cleveland Bay Horse Society. Our late Queen played a vital role in their revival, breeding Cleveland Bays like Mary to serve as ceremonial carriage horses at the Mews. Mary’s name, chosen by the Elizabeth II, reflects her deep affection for the places she visited and the horses that faithfully served her.

Mary is much more than a horse with a noble past. She’s a loving and gentle soul with a heart as big as her accomplishments. Mary is bold and self-assured, with an affectionate nature that shines even brighter than her striking bay coat. Out in the field, she adores spending time with her best friends, Meg and Orla, exchanging neck scratches and enjoying their “mothers’ meetings” in the stables as they greet guests during our visitor days. She’s also a bit of a playful mischief-maker, turning the lead rope into a fun game with the grooms on her way to and from the field!

We’re so excited to offer you the chance to connect with Mary through our sponsorship scheme. By sponsoring Maryland, you’re embracing a loyal friend and a spirited soul with a royal legacy and a heart full of love.

Our Sponsorship Scheme plays an integral role in caring for these horses who, as they age, are inevitably exposed to more health challenges. It costs approximately £7,500 in care per horse per year, and as a charity that relies solely on public donations, the more help we can get, the more we can help them.

Thank you so much for your support.

Sponsor Maryland