The Queen is a keen equestrian and has owned and ridden horses for most of her life. © henrydallalphotography.com/The Royal Family

By Jen Mills

A new photograph of the Queen showing her between two white ponies with a backdrop of tree blossom has been released to mark her birthday.

The monarch turns 96 today, ahead of a weekend of celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee to mark 70 years on the throne.

In the new photo, she holds two of her own fell ponies by the reins, with Bybeck Nightingale on the right and Bybeck Katie on the left.

The new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, taken last month in the grounds of Windsor Castle, has been released by The Royal Windsor Horse Show to mark the occasion.

Continue reading this article published by Metro UK here. 

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