A HORSE described as "in a bad way" when she was rescued is now on her way to Buckingham Palace after being hand-picked to join the Royal Horse Artillery.

Four-year-old Penny from Penny Hill Farm, Blackpool, has joined all the king's horses of the King's Troop after the busy royal regiment spent its summer camp at the International League for the Protection of Horses rescue centre in September.

And Penny Farm manager Tony Fleming knows all about her new post after spending 25 years serving in the King's Troop himself!

Tony said: "Penny is the ideal sort of horse for the troop as she is the right weight and height for a wheeler which are the two heavy horses at the back of the gun who act as the brakes.

"She is named after the farm's benefactor Penny Thornton and has been with us since the end of March and is four now.

"Penny was one of four horses who came to us from Yorkshire and she was in a really bad way.

"We have 43 horses now at the centre and it's wonderful when things like this happen to one of our rescue horses and a real morale booster for the staff. All seven of them are sad to see Penny go but wish her well in her new job."

Penny was in fact the first welfare case to arrive at Penny Hill on March 30 this year and was infested with lice and worms and suffering from malnutrition.

She was owned by an elderly gentleman who had become unable to look after her and the three other horses he owned. Penny had never been handled, never worn a headcollar and was terrified of human contact making her very difficult to handle. She also wouldn't eat anything having never eaten hard food.

The dedicated staff at Penny Farm are delighted about her turnaround and are hoping to witness her passing out parade.

Penny will now be broken for riding and fully trained by members of the King's Troop and could even come back to visit Tony if the troop return for a break in the future.

Captain Edward Botterill said: "The King's Troop are based in London but we go away every summer for two weeks to give the horses and soldiers a break.

"In the past we've been to Melton Mowbray and Great Yarmouth but we thought we'd give Blackpool a try this year and we've had a great time. Mr Fleming invited us and we were very pleased as there was fabulous accommodation for the horses and lots for the troop to do.

"And now they've given us a rescue horse which is wonderful and we'll keep her very busy with events like the Royal Windsor Horse Show, All The Queens Horses for Her Majesty's golden jubilee, opening of Parliament and of course Trooping The Colour.

"Also we are always looking for new recruits and they don't have to be riders or even really enthusiastic just vaguely interested. Hopefully we'll return to Blackpool in the future."

Penny Hill Farm is a member of the International League for the Protection of Horses and is funded entirely by donations. Enquiries and donations very welcome on (01253) 766983.