THREE ponies are preparing to take part in a major national event after receiving an invitation to visit London for the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations. 

Spirits are high at Murthwaite Green Trekking Club after being chosen to visit Windsor Castle and take part in a Guard of Honour. 

Ninety fell ponies from across the country were invited to take part in the spectacle, which takes place on July 17, giving horses and owners the rare opportunity to meet both Her Majesty and Prince Philip. 

Cath Wrigley, owner of the school, is thrilled to have been chosen to take three of her ponies down to Windsor.

She said: "I'm really excited and really looking forward to going down and being part of it.

"It's just a real honour to have the opportunity to meet the Queen and to take some of our beautiful ponies to Windsor."

Fell ponies are traditionally associated with Cumbria so a number of riding schools across the area will be heading to the capital to represent this historic breed. 

The Queen will get the chance to meet both the horses and the owners who will be invited to celebrate with a barbecue at Windsor Castle. 

Mrs Wrigley said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's going to be such an experience - I can't wait."

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