A ROCKING horse creator from Loudwater has received royal recognititon after being asked to produce model racehorses for one of the Middle East’s richest Sheikhs.

Alec Kinane, who has run Legends Rocking Horses for over 25 years, received a visit from representatives of the Emir of Qatar earlier this year.

The super-rich Sheikh ordered five solid cherry rocking horses to be created in the guise of famous Arabian race horse Marwan Al Shaqab.

And the 54-year-old horse enthusiast from Whinney’s Lane, who has racing pedigree in his blood, jumped at the chance to fashion the championship winning stallion.

“Around 10 years ago I had an enquiry from the buyer for the Emir asking about racehorses and I sent him the information.

“I didn’t think any more of it until got I a phone call from a chap who wanted to come over and see what I do.

“I’ve done a few orders for the rich and famous but most customers are just normal people.

“I didn’t realise at first how long they would take. I do almost everything myself and it took over six months before they were ready.

“They have come back to me since and asked if I do camels so we’ll have to wait and see about that!”

For Alec, a love of horses runs in the family, with his jockey cousin Mick Kinane a three-time Derby winner and his uncle having ridden to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

After leaving school to work in his family’s soft drink business, he went to work as a painter and decorator before his love of horses and art led him to his equestrian calling.