Even at 90, Queen can horse riding

via expressEven at 90, Queen can still hack it as she's spotted horse riding in WindsorSHE RECENTLY described herself as a “fair-weather” rider but it seems neither turning 90 nor knee trouble has put the Queen off her favourite hobby.By CAMILLA TOMINEY, EXCLUSIVE
PUBLISHED: 00:01, Sun, May 29, 2016

KELVIN BRUCE

The Queen was spotted last week trotting around Windsor Castle on a horse aged 90

The remarkably sprightly monarch was last week spotted enjoying a ride on one of her favourite ponies, once again shunning a hard hat in favour of her trademark headscarf.

Donning jodhpurs and riding boots, the Queen was photographed riding at Windsor for the first time since last November.

She looked comfortable astride her faithful mare Carltonlima Emma as she rode through Windsor Great Park with her long-serving groom Terry Pendry.

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The Queen has joked in the past that she doesn’t wear protective headgear because it would crush her hair.

She admitted in an ITV documentary to mark her 90th birthday last month that she didn’t like riding in the rain either.

She was filmed telling an aide: “I’m rather a fair-weather rider now. I don’t like getting cold and wet.”

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Her Majesty has been riding horses since she was 4-years-old

In the TV film, the Duchess of Cornwall marvelled at her mother-in-law’s stamina.

I’m rather a fair-weather rider now. I don’t like getting cold and wet

Queen Elizabeth II

She said: “Who else is riding at 90? That’s what’s so incredible.”

Although the Queen still rides regularly, royal watchers have noticed that she doesn’t ride for as long these days, and sticks to Windsor’s more private areas.

An onlooker said: “She used to go out more frequently and for longer.

"She would ride a few times a week and for a good hour but now it can be for as little as 15 minutes.

Queen Elizabeth II in picturesTue, May 31, 2016Queen Elizabeth II making her Royal visits in her many colourful and elegant outfits.

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• "She also seems to want to do it more discreetly too, sticking to areas inside the grounds where she can’t be seen.”
  

Last week the Sunday Express exclusively reported that the Queen needs knee replacement surgery but has been putting off the operation because it would mean not being able to undertake any royal engagements for at least six weeks after leaving hospital.

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Pictured is ex-American President Ronald Reagan horseback with the Queen

For the first time at the State Opening of Parliament earlier this month, the Queen avoided the 26 steps at the sovereign’s entrance to the Palace of Westminster by using a lift instead.

Although she is in excellent overall health, the great-grandmother has long suffered from knee trouble.

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It has been reported that the Queen will need knee replacement surgery

The Queen first started riding at the age of four.

In recent years she has favoured sturdy fell ponies renowned for their strength, surefootedness and steady temperament.