The late Queen’s favourite riding pony Emma, who made a poignant appearance at her funeral, has been named the Horse of a Lifetime in a public vote.

Readers of the Horse & Hound magazine voted for the pony to receive the award, with thousands of readers backing her.

The Fell Pony – whose full name is Carltonlima Emma – received a bag of carrots for winning the accolade.

Lizzie Briant, who accepted the prize and the carrots at a gala dinner at Cheltenham racecourse on behalf of the Queen’s stud groom Terry Pendry, said Emma was the country’s most loved pony.

“Emma has the most wonderful temperament and never puts a foot wrong,” Ms Briant said.

“It was thrilling when I realised she was going to Windsor to be ridden by the Queen. Everybody adores her at the Royal Mews — there isn’t a pony in the country that is better loved.”

Mr Pendry, who stood with Emma in the Castle grounds as her mistress’s coffin made its way up the Long Walk at Windsor, said of learning of the award: “Her Majesty adored Emma.

“She is a comfortable ride and sure-footed. Emma always enjoyed a carrot out of a brown paper bag after riding.”

Slough Observer: Emma with Terry Pendry as the Queen’s coffin passed byEmma with Terry Pendry as the Queen’s coffin passed by (Image: Aaron Chown/PA)

Emma hacked out in Windsor Great Park with the Queen for 15 years, with their final ride together taking place in July of this year.

On the day of the monarch’s funeral in September, the Queen’s sheepskin saddle cover and her silk headscarf which she wore when riding were laid over the saddle for the last time.