Queen Elizabeth II's cherished Fell pony Emma, who played a key part in the late Queen's funeral is set to be immortalised in a unique way.
Marc Stevenson, 69, has revealed he is making an oak recreation of the beloved black pony, and it is nearly complete ahead of what would have been the Queen's 100th birthday on April 21.
The 30-year-old Emma became an iconic figure during the Queen's funeral procession four years ago, standing solemnly as the coffin travelled to Windsor Castle.
Mr Stevenson and his twin brother Tony operate Stevenson Brothers, one of Britain's few remaining workshops producing handcrafted rocking horses using traditional Victorian methods.
Queen Elizabeth II's favourite pony is set to be made into a rocking horse
|GETTY
It was watching Emma at the funeral that moved Mr Stevenson to create this commemorative piece.
The pony, whose registered name is Carltonlima Emma, stood amid floral tributes with the Queen's Hermès scarf draped across her saddle.
"That was the moment I broke down in tears," Mr Stevenson told the Telegraph at the Cheltenham Festival.
"It was one of the most significant moments that people remember from that funeral."
He described seeing the horse tacked up with the silk scarf as "just delightful," adding: "It was at that point that I thought: 'I must do a rocking Emma' to commemorate Her Majesty's memory."
The Yorkshire-bred Fell pony holds special significance for the craftsman.
"I am very excited to be making Emma. It's keeping the Queen's memory alive for us. She's a special little horse."
The Stevenson Brothers have an established relationship with the Royal Family, having crafted six rocking horses for Elizabeth II personally, alongside commissions for other royal households worldwide.
Previous creations for the late Queen included Tinkerbell, believed to be her favourite pony that she rode around Windsor, and Churchill's Charger, produced for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Emma played a key part in the late Queen's funeral
|GETTY
For this tribute, Mr Stevenson is using bog oak, an exceptionally rare wood that lay buried beneath Norfolk for approximately 8,000 years.
Once completed, the rocking horse will be sold, with proceeds benefiting the Fell Pony Society.
The late Queen served as patron of the organisation, a role now held by King Charles.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Elizabeth II developed a deep passion for horses from childhood, receiving her first pony, a Shetland named Peggy, as a gift from King George V.
She began breeding Fell ponies in 1952 and rode Emma until her death at 96 in 2022.
The monarch also became renowned as a knowledgeable owner and breeder, frequently attending Royal Ascot.
Queen Elizabeth II had a special love for horses throughout her reign
|GETTY
Mr Stevenson recalled the Queen's appreciation for their craftsmanship, noting she recognised the coach spring mounting technique that had not been used for a century.
"She said to me, 'Hasn't he got a lovely long stride?' She knew her horses wonderfully," he said.
"Talking to the Queen about her horses and the breeding was just extraordinary."