The Lady Somerleyton, President of the Horse Trust

It gives me great pleasure to be able to welcome you all here today. We are delighted to have the use of the Royal Mews for this very special occasion. I would like to thank all those who have made this possible.

I want to give you a very brief history of The Home Of Rest for Horses which is, I believe, the oldest horse welfare organisation in the world, and was inaugurated 120 years ago, only a quarter of a mile away from here in St James’s , by the founder Anne Lindo. She had read Anna Sewell’s novel “Black Beauty” and recognised the plight of the working horse caused largely through ignorance and lack of welfare.

The original home not only cared for the overworked horse but tried to educate their owners and to lend them fit horses until their own had recovered sufficiently to return to work.

They were also able to leave their horse or pony at the home while they were sick, on holiday or in prison.

Times have changed: there are fewer working horses. We were set up to care for the working horse/pony and the less well off owners so, so while looking after just over 100 horses and ponies, we focus on preventing the need, by demonstrating and promoting responsible horse ownership.

It is all too easy to buy or borrow a horse, pony or donkey but not so easy to look after and pay for it, so we teach the three Cs of horse ownership ­ Commitment, Care and Cost. Our message is "if you can’t manage these don’t do it".

We are very proud of our Royal Patronage which started with Prince Albert and continued with Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary. Your Royal Highness, we are most grateful for the time and interest you give to us as our 21st century Patron.

Before handing over to you I am sure that everyone would like to congratulate you on your daughter Zara’s marvellous achievement in winning the individual gold medal at Aachen.