Being an equestrian was more than a hobby for her, she was a top ranked breeder, accomplished rider and was recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to the horse. Being with her horses and riding in the countryside was known to offer the Queen peace in life alongside her much loved corgis.
Photo Credit: RCMP Historical Collection, RCMP Veterans Association
Of all her horses, the Canadian bred mare Burmese was one of her most favourite for riding. Born in 1962 in Fort Walsh, Saskatchewan, Burmese was a striking black filly bred to be part of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The half Thoroughbred, half Hanoverian mare quickly became a favourite amongst the recruits who rode her for equitation practice throughout their training. She learned many police protocols, how to cope with crowds, drums and any obstacles thrown her way. By age five, Burmese was the lead horse for the RCMP’s famous Musical Ride.
When the Musical Ride was preparing to perform at the world-famous Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1969, the RCMP learned that Queen Elizabeth II was looking for a new riding horse. That is when they presented their star mare to the Queen who graciously accepted. Burmese was then carefully trained by Corporal Fred Rasmussen and presented to the Queen formally shortly thereafter, beginning an enduring bond between the two.
Photo Credit: RCMP Historical Collection, RCMP Veterans Association
It was reported that the Queen rode Burmese daily while at her country houses, no matter the weather. They were also well-known to be a ravishing sight when in full regalia for ceremonial displays. Burmese exhibited her RCMP training skills in 1981 during the ‘Trooping of the Colours’ when the pair was leading the parade and six gun shots were fired. All of the horses were startled, including Burmese, but with the Queen’s reassurance, the pair came back together with little drama and proceeded on with the parade, in side-saddle nonetheless.
The beloved Burmese served as the Queen’s mount for the Trooping of the Colour for 18 straight appearances. The famous Canadian mare and Queen Elizabeth II would continue to be seen in many public outings. A famous photograph depicts the Queen and US President Reagan out on a hack during the president’s state visit in 1982. Reagan was mounted on another horse that was part of the RCMP’s equine gift.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In 1987, she was retired from riding and was returned to pasture at Windsor Castle, where the Queen was able to visit. After this time the Queen did not want to ride a new horse for reviewing the troops and chose to ride by carriage moving forward. In 1990 at the age of 28, Burmese passed away and was buried on the Windsor grounds, a rare honour.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
To commemorate her cherished partner, the Queen commissioned a bronze statue and during her state visit to Canada in 2005, it was revealed in the front of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina, Saskatchewan.
The monarch’s heart horse will be fondly remembered in Canada and worldwide for the testament that she was to the love all equestrians hope to have in our lifetime.
Reference from Horse Journals, www.horsejournals.com/popular/interviews-profiles/remarkable-horses-canada-burmese
Reference from the National Post: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/burmese-the-queens-canadian-favourite-horse
Reference from Horse Nation: www.horsenation.com/2015/09/10/looking-back-queen-elizabeth-iis-burmese