As her 96th birthday approaches, Queen Elizabeth is said to be putting up her riding gloves, with Palace sources suggesting that the monarch is preparing to give up her favourite sport of horseback riding.

The Queen’s love of horses began at an early age, and she was frequently seen riding alongside late husband Prince Philip in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Royal expert Robert Hardman, however, recently disclosed on the Mail Plus podcast Palace Confidential: “I don’t think we will see her on her fell pony again.”

Charlotte Griffiths, editor of the Mail on Sunday, chipped in, adding that the thought of Queen Elizabeth giving up riding is a “big event.”

Commenting on the same, Hardman added: “I can’t think of many other people approaching their 96th birthday getting on a horse.”

During her summer vacation at Balmoral, the Queen was last seen riding a horse. She was subsequently forced to postpone it till spring due to health concerns.

The Sun quoted a Balmoral source at the time as saying: “She was in quite a bit of discomfort. She adores riding and it has been a part of her ritual for most of her life.”

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