A riding school horse from Edinburgh, who undertook ceremonial duties and appeared as a model in advertising campaigns, has been posthumously recognised with a BHS award.

Monarch, who died in 2024 aged 27, has been awarded the Tarragon Trophy, the British Horse Society (BHS) Equine Personality of the Year Award, which is presented to horses or ponies who have contributed to the community, overcome hardship or deemed to have the personality worthy of the esteemed honour.

“The BHS are delighted to have honoured Monarch with our Tarragon Trophy. Our Tarragon Trophy is awarded to the horse or pony that goes above and beyond to help people,” said Helene Mauchlen, BHS National Manager for Scotland.

“Monarch helped inspire The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, bringing calm and patience while teaching them to ride.

“Alongside this, he helped to bring back ceremonial horses to Scotland. Yet, he never lost sight of his day to job as a riding school horse, inspiring many children to take their first steps in equestrianism.

“It is more than fitting that Monarch was the recipient for this award and we are so pleased to be able to commemorate such a remarkable horse, as well as celebrate his achievements.”

The grey gelding arrived at Tower Farm Riding Stables at the age of four and quickly proved himself to be trustworthy and naturally level-headed. He was entrusted with carrying both adults and children during lessons and was frequently the lead horse for staff riders taking groups for countryside rides.

Monarch also undertook work as a parade horse, frequently being the flag bearer, and participated in many royal engagements. 

Royal approval

In 2018 he got a ‘hello’ and a pat from Queen Elizabeth II at RAF Leuchars during the presentation of the new Standard to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. 

He met HRH The Princess Royal at the opening of the new BHS Operations Hub in Stirling and he led the procession at the King’s Coronation in Scotland on the Royal Mile in 2023 in what was his last ceremonial role before retiring.

During his modelling career, Monarch graced the pages of the Barbour catalogue, posed for the White Horse Whisky campaign and appeared in an advert delivering pizza for Domino’s.

Monarch was unfazed by large crowds or pipe bands, was a regular entry into fancy dress classes at Tower Farm shows and appeared at community events.

Clever clogs

He did have a cheeky side and was very clever. He would often open his stable door at night and roam about the barn before putting himself back in his stable in time for breakfast, he wouldn’t eat green apples as he preferred sweeter red ones and he knew his name. He would whinny in reply when called in the field or to let the farrier know where he was when he called him.

“He understood you, was a true gentleman and was the horse of a lifetime,” said Debbie Henderson, manager at Tower Farm Riding Stables.  

“He was instantly recognisable with his long ears, wise eyes and his one black and one white front hooves.”

Helene Mauchlen from the BHS presents Monarch’s brother Duke with the Tarragon Trophy. Credit: British Horse Society

The award was presented to Monarch’s full brother, Duke, by Helene Mauchlen, BHS National Manager for Scotland in a ceremony at Tower Farm Riding Stables on Thursday.

Top two images © Tower Farm Stables, trophy presentation image © the BHS.

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