WORKERS at a horse retirement home say they are astonished at an heart-warming friendship which has blossomed between two veteran horses.

Iceland, a large Windsor Grey, and Pipkin a small 32-inch miniature Shetland pony, are said to have become the best of friends after they were let out in the field to graze this summer.

The unlikely couple, who both reside at The Home of Rest for Horses in Speen, are now inseparable, according to staff even though they are entirely different breeds.

Susan Lewis, marketing manager for the home, which is also the oldest horse charity in the UK, said: "It is very unusual to see horses of these sort of sizes buddying up together because, as a whole, they tend to stick with horses of their own size but they are inseparable."

Pipkin, who is 30 years old, is the home's oldest resident and came to the shelter in October 2003.

She was owned by a family in Ascot, Berkshire, for more than 20 years as a pet, but was given to the home after the owners became elderly.

Meanwhile, Iceland, 23, was born into royalty as a Windsor Grey, and is still owned by the Queen.

Iceland, who towers above his little friend, at 5 and 1/2 feet, lived at the Royal Mews and was part of the team that pulled the Queen's coach for her Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002. That was Iceland's last parade before his retirement.

Mrs Lewis said the friendship was welcome since Iceland had lost a fellow team mate from the Royal Mews, who joined the home at the same time in 2002.

She said: "Their friendship has blossomed over the summer months. I think they will be mortified if we try and separate them. Pipkin often uses Iceland as rain cover as well because he is such a big horse, and Iceland never kicks out or anything.

"If you see Iceland you will often find Pipkin grazing near her feet," she added.