For the first time, the Household Cavalry is seeking the public’s help in naming its new horses.
Over 30 new horses are nearing the end of their training for The Queen’s diamond jubilee – and the regiment is starting to think of names for them.
“The soldiers have always taken a great interest in naming the horses,” said Major Simon Deverell.
“But given our place in the jubilee celebrations, we thought it was only right to let the public have a say, too.”
Each new batch of horses is assigned a letter – like a registration number -with which their name must start. The next intake will be “M reg”.
Captain Alex Owen, a Troop Leader, said the horses are usually named after famous commanders, regimental battle honours or military equipment.
“Two names that have been decided on are Musa Qaleh and Magpie,” he said.
Musa Qaleh, a town in north Helmand, was captured and held by the regiment and Magpie was the nickname of Trooper James Munday who was killed in Afghanistan.
Over Christmas the regiment asked people to vote and Merlin, Majestic and Majesty proved the most popular, followed by Monty, Mountbatten and Melchior.
“With over 30 horses to name, even the combined imagination of an entire regiment can only go so far,” said Capt Owen.
To suggest names visit: www.facebook.com/HCMR or @HCMRegt on Twitter.
This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (2 February 2012)
