A groom fit for a Queen

The late Queen’s stud manager received the Horse and Hound Achievement Award for his service of almost half a century!

Terry Pendry, CVO, BEM, Military Knight of Windsor and former Stud Groom and Manager to our Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Windsor Castle was recently featured within the BGA’s members magazine.

In celebration of the H&H award we wanted to share this article with our online readers:

We wrote to Terry, and he surprised us all with a phone call to share an insight into incredible work he carried out for Her Late Majesty the Queen.

Most equestrians will recall a moment that touched all our hearts, captured in a poignant photograph of Terry standing with Emma, the Late Queen’s Fell pony, during the funeral procession - a sight we will all remember for years to come.

Tell us about your riding experience Terry.

“I’ve ridden all my life. On my Uncle Ray’s Farm under the Malvern Hills we used to be taken out to the Common to bring the cows home for milking. When my uncle had disappeared round the corner we would jump on one of the cows each and ride it home. It was great fun but not what Mr Cadbury or my uncle wanted at all. By the time we got home the milk was everywhere and halfway to becoming cream!!! But we also had ponies for pleasure and gymkhanas. I bought my first pony at Hereford Market unbroken for £40. He was a hard task master but turned out to be a wonderful pony winning lots of rosettes in jumping and trotting races. I became a jockey at the age of 15 and rode on the Flat in Scotland for two and half seasons but soon became too heavy. So I joined The Blues and Royals in The Household Cavalry and soon became a Remount Rider and Riding Instructor. I’ve evented and show jumped at a high level and ridden in many Hunter Trials and Team Chases across the country. There is not much that I haven’t done on horses and ponies.”

Can you tell us about some of the horses who have had an impact on you?

“The first pony that I ever rode was called Jenny. She was about 11.2 hh and dragged me along the Common on my backside for about 15 to 20 yards with my foot caught in the stirrup iron. I didn’t trust saddles for many years after that. I always rode bareback which gave me perfect balance. I only started using a saddle when I became a jockey but I rode so short that I was never going to be dragged along again. Kelly was my first ever owned pony - 12 hh Strawberry Roam. He bucked me upside down in many apple and pear trees in the Orchard as a youngster but turned out to be a super star. I rode Vigorik on the flat winning the Crown Plus Two Champion Apprentice Race by 5 lengths at Lanark Race Course. Zephyr was my Guard Horse in The Household Cavalry. I won the Richmond Cup on him as Best Turned Out Trooper of the Year in 1975 at The Royal Windsor Horse Show – he was a great friend. Bountiful was my Eventing mare that I took all the way to one point from Advance. She also was a lie-down horse for the Cavalry’s Quadrille Musical Ride back in the day. She ended up a Charger for Colonel Parker-Bowles. Just Otto was my showjumper. Sir John Miller bought about 30 East German Oldenburgers for the Cavalry to try out. I had Otto as a 4 year old – he was 17 hh and could jump the top hole of the Stands. We won The Queen’s Cup twice at The Royal Tournament together.”

When did you start working for Her Late Majesty, the Queen?

“After serving for twenty and half years with the Household Cavalry I started working directly for Our Late Majesty The Queen in 1994. It was my duty to serve such an incredible Lady but also such an honour and a privilege. Her passion for the native breeds was amazing and Her knowledge of the breeding history of each of Her horses was astonishing. She knew all their blood lines, Dames, Sires and Grandparents too. The connection and relationship The Queen had with Her horses and ponies was also wonderful.”

What has been your favourite part about being a groom?

“My job was a little more than just being a Groom. I was responsible for the wellbeing and training of a wide range of horses and ponies plus all the day-to-day running of The Royal Mews at Windsor Castle. But of course, as a priority, making sure that all the horses and ponies were well prepared for Her Late Majesty and The Late Duke of Edinburgh and other Members of The Royal Family to ride as well as drive. Also, we prepared the Chargers for Trooping the Colour that Members of The Family would ride as Colonels of Their Regiments.”

What is it like being a groom at Windsor Castle?

“Most of the Grooms at Windsor stay here for a long time. The Mews is in a beautiful setting and they get to look after some very nice horses and ponies and of course get to, from time to time, escort Members of The Royal Family whilst out riding. They also get to travel to places like Balmoral Castle and Sandringham when required.” 

What was it like travelling to Balmoral with the horses?

“It was always an exciting time for Staff to go up to Balmoral Castle which is just over 500 miles from Windsor. We always took ponies up for Her Late Majesty to ride either by horsebox or Landrover and trailer. Its lovely to arrive at Balmoral to the clean, crisp fresh air and the scenery all around is amazing.”

Do you think standards have changed since you first became a groom?

“Yes, I think they have changed dramatically. I’m not sure many people know what strapping a horse is any more or how to make a whisp. If I had my way, I would ban mobile phones in the workplace, most people today seem to have them permanently pinned to their ears!”

Could you tell us a little about your experience judging at competitions.

“Yes, I have been a Guest Judge on numerous occasions, which is really very interesting and my way of giving a little back to the Equine world. I judged at the National Hunter Championships at Addington and I have also just come back from judging at the Horse of the Year Show at the NEC. I am pleased to say that the horse I put up at Addington became Supreme Champion at HOYS. I enjoy it very much”

Do you have a top tip to share as a groom?

“You only get out what you put in. Two things – continuity and loyalty are everything. You have to love your job but more importantly, you have to love your horses and ponies.” 

Terry has been very kind and shared a recent photograph of Emma, the Late Queen’s favourite Fell Pony, grazing at Windsor Castle. 

Terry is also pictured aboard The Kings new charger Noble, gifted to him by The Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Noble is only 7 years old, but King Charles rode her on this year’s Trooping. 

If you would like to know more about Terry, he has taken part in a fascinating Podcast with Tom Lloyd’s “Fell Pony Adventures” which you can listen to here.

Thank you to Terry for taking the time to speak with us. 

Why BELONG TO THE BGA?

The BGA is your organisation that supports, represents, and champions the career of all grooms. As a BGA member you will enjoy discounted insurance policies, education, and support. 

JOIN US

Be part of a community of grooms, just like you. 

If you would like to become a BGA member, have a look at our membership options, from as little as 49 pence per week. 

BGA MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS