A LOCAL owner of fell ponies has started up a business making equine-themed wreaths - and has already bagged herself a Royal customer.

Julie Smith, who is based near Pocklington, says she started Wolds Wreaths about two months ago.

Such was the popularity of the horse and dog-shaped creations that Julie has also arranged for one to be sent to the Queen - Julie is a member of the Fell Pony Society, of which the Queen is patron.

Julie said she started out making them casually but demand soon increased to the point where she had to dedicate her time to it more fully. Customers have now been in touch with orders from America and Dubai.

She said: “It all became so popular on social media that I’ve been overwhelmed.”

The wreaths are all made from real foliage from evergreens and are shaped as horses or various dogs, including dachshunds and labradors. Julie also makes pheasant tail feather wreaths and she added she “enjoys the challenge of a bespoke order”.

“The pony wreath is my favourite as it is inspired by my own fell pony,” she said.

The Queen’s pony-shaped wreath was sent, following arrangements with the Palace, on Monday. It came about following recommendations from a friend with connections to the palace.

Julie said: “I am just so proud. I never thought this would be possible. It has been a honour to have made the Queen one of my fell pony wreaths.”

The Fell Pony Society’s head office is based in Cumbria.

The society’s aim is to foster and keep pure the old breed of pony which has roamed the northern fells for years and to circulate knowledge and general information about the pony breed.