Since the Ancient British stole horses from the Romans, or perhaps even before, we've had a fondness for horses. They hold a prominent place in British culture as can be seen in the stories below - both of native breeds and equine icons.
Red Rum was a champion Thoroughbred steeplechaser. He is the only horse in the history of the Grand National to win the race three times and on the two occasions that he ran and did not win he came second.
The Exmoor pony is the oldest native pony breed in Britain. There are approximately 3,500 of these ponies worldwide, of which around 350 still live free on Exmoor on the Somerset, Devon border.
The prancing black stallion which is used as the symbol of Lloyds Banking Group must be one of Britain's most famous trademarks, and an icon of our television screens.
The Suffolk Punch is an English breed of working or draught horse that played an important part in the development of agriculture and pre-mechanised haulage of goods like coal and beer. It is a much respected and admired animal.
The Uffington White Horse in Oxfordshire is thought to be the oldest of the many chalk figures carved into hillsides around Britain, and is both of historical significance and a very interesting place to visit.
The Shetland pony is a hardy breed from the Shetland Isles, off Scotland’s north-east coast. It is the smallest breed of pony found in Britain, standing up to 107 cm at the withers. It has a heavy coat and short legs, is strong for its size, and is used for riding, driving, and pack purposes. For a period, the Shetlands played a key role in the British coal industry as 'pit ponies'.
