to pay their respects .
FEI President , Ingmar De Vos , commented ; " The passing of Prince Philip is a huge loss for equestrian sport and his legacy , particularly at the FEI , will live on for many decades to come "
" I first met him in London at the FEI General Assembly in 2005 , and again at the FEI Eventing European Championships in Blair Castle in 2015 . He was a man of incredible energy and a great sense of humour , and the
FEI was honoured to have him as our longestserving President .
" His dedication to equestrian sports cannot be underestimated and will never be forgotten , especially in the Driving community . He was born in the same year the FEI was founded , and sadly he will not be with us to celebrate his own and the FEI ' s centenary this year . We will celebrate his life and remember him as a great ambassador of our sport ."
Leaving a ' huge void ' in the Queen ' s life , and as a marked loss to the equestrian industry , The Duke ’ s presence at equestrian events all over the UK will be sorely missed .
Prince Philip ' s funeral was held on 17th April 2021 ; a small gathering marking respect for the Prince ' s wish for privacy and aligning with COVID-19 restrictions .
Bennington Carriages Team Pay Tribute to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
THE team at leading manufacturers Bennington Carriages have paid tribute to the fantastic work carried out in the sport by His Royal Highness The Prince Philip , Duke of Edinburgh .
Having worked closely over the years with the founder of the business , Michael Mart , the Duke of Edinburgh is fondly remembered for his great enthusiasm for a sport he was truly passionate about .
Said Michael ’ s daughter Sue : “ We were truly saddened to hear the news of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip , Duke of Edinburgh .
“ He was a driving force for the sport of Carriage Driving and we are honoured and privileged to have held the Royal Warrant to His Royal Highness since 1979 .
“ We have so many fond memories of his involvement ; as a competitor , judge and steward , always underpinned with his incomparable and unbridled passion for our sport .
“ We trust that his boundless drive and enthusiasm will provide continued inspiration to all of those involved in Carriage Driving and that the sport will continue to grow and flourish , in his memory .”
Working together The Duke of Edinburgh and Michael were both curious about how to make lighter carriage and ultimately interested in the very latest technology , and with the help of British Aerospace they developed the first aluminium wheels .
Initially The Duke of Edinburgh drove a Bennington Phaeton with his team of Cleveland Bays before driving a Bennington Competition Vehicle with his Fell Ponies .
Added Sue : “ The sport needs inspiring people and The Duke of Edinburgh was certainly that . In the later years Prince Philip enjoyed driving around Windsor Great Park and Sandringham well into his 90s .
“ It is wonderful that Lady Louise Windsor has taken up the reins and is continuing his passion for the sport .
“ The Royal Family has really helped to
Image with thanks to Bennington Carriages keep Carriage Driving in the news whether as competitors or leisure drivers and there is so much fun to be gained from having a go .”
“ Carriage Driving can be highly exhilarating or remarkably relaxing - and it ’ s always fun .”
About Bennington Carriages
Bennington offers a wide range of Carriage Driving experiences aimed at the newcomer or novice which provide an ideal opportunity to try Carriage Driving .
The Carriage Driving Experience provides an enjoyable introduction to the sport . During the two hour session , the experience covers the essentials of Carriage Driving and provides one to one tuition from Sue who is a UKCC Level 3 coach .
Sue and the team at Bennington are always happy to talk to those wanting to have a go at carriage driving and learn more .
Contact them on Tel : 01400 281280 or email carriages @ bennington . co . uk
With special thanks to the FEI and Bennington Carriages for the use of images .
“ The sport needs inspiring people and The Duke of Edinburgh was certainly that ”
Sue Mart , Bennington Carriages
24 • EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : MAY 2021