Image with thanks to Bennington Carriages
Cup . Launched in the 1970 ' s , the annual competition brings together the world ' s best showjumping horses and riders . It is a chance for riders to become recognised as individuals and represent their nation on the world stage .
Following his time as President of the FEI , Prince Philip continued to unite the equestrian world , playing an instrumental part in the creation of the FEI World Equestrian Games . Having lobbied for such a competition for many years , it was finally staged in Stockholm , Sweden for the first time in 1990 . Prior to the formation of this competition , all ten of the FEI ' s individual disciplines held separate championships , all in separate countries . Likened to an equestrian only version of the Olympics , the World Equestrian Games is a major date on the calendar in the run-up to the real Olympics and sets the standard expected at elite-level competition across the world .
Prince Philip and Horse Racing
The horse racing industry also had cause to pay their respects to the late Prince , following the news of his death .
As a key supporter within the historic horse sport , jockeys at the Aintree Grand National wore black armbands as a sign of respect to Prince Philip , with competition taking place just days after his announced passing .
Flags were flown at half-mast at the prestigious Aintree course too , and a twominute silence was held before racing , marking the loss of a recognised equestrian pioneer .
An honorary member of the Jockey Club since 1947 , Prince Philip never took an active role in racing as an owner . However , he was a constant companion to the Queen at the Derby and Royal Ascot , where the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap was named after him .
Bloodstock advisor to the Queen recognised Prince Philip ' s fulsome interest in horses and breeding , despite not partaking a role in racing itself .
Horses fascinated the Prince , as he was said to have owned over 300 books on horses and equestrianism . The Queen and Prince Philip ' s united love of horses seemed to be a common denominator and a primary driving force of the change within the industry .
Prince Philip ' s Equestrian Family Legacy
Leaving a worldwide legacy for equestrians , Prince Philip also left an equestrian legacy to his family .
Prince Philip ' s children and grandchildren have famously inherited a love of horse sport . Family members who are actively involved within equestrian sport included Princess Anne , Zara Tindall , as well as Prince William and Prince Harry .
Inspired by her father ’ s work , Princess Anne took over the role of FEI presidency for eight years after her father . Not only was her love of leading equestrian sport inspired by the late Prince , she was also inspired to become immersed in the sport itself .
Prince Philip ' s daughter went on to become a highly respected equestrian . At the age of 21 , she won a gold medal at the European Eventing Championships in Burghley . The same year she was awarded BBC Sports Personality of The Year for her equestrian feats . The Princess also became the first member of the British Royal family to compete at the Olympic Games in 1976 .
Also inspired by Prince Philip ' s equestrian legacy , granddaughter Zara Tindall has been a key player in horse sport . Tindall took the Eventing world title in 2006 and was a member of the British silver medal team at the London 2012 Olympic Games .
Prince William and Prince Harry are also regularly spotted on the polo field .
Equestrian Legacy
On the announcement of the Prince ' s passing , individuals and equestrian bodies were eager
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