HORSE riding royalty was in Somerset today to launch a new charity initiative.

Esme Higgs – better known to around a million followers on social media as This Esme – was at World Horse Welfare’s Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, near Somerton, to launch the equine charity’s Stable Squad scheme.

She was joined by fellow internet star, Duke, a horse she rehomed with World Horse Welfare four years ago.

Hundreds of fans turned out to meet their idol, who, as well as being an all-round riding guru, is also an author, presenter, rural affairs and animal welfare campaigner.

Young people are being urged to become a member of the Stable Squad which, as well as raising much-needed funds for the charity, gives them unique equine educational opportunities and an insight into its work.

And Esme, a World Horse Welfare patron, said it was great chance for youngsters to get involved in the work of the charity she holds so close to her heart.

“Stables Squad is a great way for World Horse Welfare to project awareness and to raise money,” the star, 23, told your Leveller.

This Esme star – Esme Higgs – with Somerset super fan Purple, nine, and Duke in the background, at World Horse Welfare near Somerton

“Members receive three magazines a year, an exclusive mini LeMieux pony and a welcome pack.

“The magazine has really good information about the work they do, and is a great read – not just for young people. I’ve had a 27-year-old and a 51-year-old telling me they are joining because the magazine was so good.”

And she said it was always nice to return to Somerset, where she found her beloved Duke, who was found abandoned aged around a day old on a Welsh mountain side.

“Duke was from here, so I have been here before a few times,” Esme added. “It’s such an incredible charity, the work they do. I hate to think what would have happened to him (Duke) if it wasn’t for World Horse Welfare.”

For more details on the Stable Squad scheme, log on to worldhorsewelfare.org/support-us/appeals/stable-squad.

And your Leveller took along This Esme superfan, Purple, who carried out her own exclusive interview with the star, which you can watch below…