Soldiers and horses have been making the most of the warmer weather on the Norfolk coast.
120 horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment took to the shore at Holkham Beach earlier this month (3 July).
The regiment is taking a break from its usual ceremonial duties in London for an annual four-week training camp in Norfolk.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment enjoy a morning riding on the beach
“While on the surface the beach ride looks like a frolic it actually serves a serious purpose,” said a spokesman from the Household Cavalry.
“The nature of their role means that the horses need to be familiar with all sorts of environments. The beach ride gets them accustomed to another surface in the soft sand and also the water, which many of them will not have encountered before.
“This also presents challenges to the riders in controlling their horses as well as riding bareback, a skill in itself.”
Trooper George Collings and Mercury
Bodney Camp allows the soldiers to brush up on their military skills as well as taking on more equine training.
The regiment conducts a range of exercises that help build confidence for duties in London, including cross-country riding and racing.
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The training concludes with a Regimental Open Day on Sunday (19 July) at the camp in Thetford, where members of the public are given the opportunity to meet the soldiers and horses before they return to London.
Attractions will include a demonstration from the Household Cavalry Musical Ride, the White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team, showjumping and tent pegging. There will also be military music, a fair ground and carriage rides.
Troopers from the Lifeguards
The entrance fee is £5 for adults and £2.50 for children and OAPs. All profits raised will go to the Household Cavalry Foundation.
For more information visit: www.facebook.com/hcmr
View more pictures of the training camp below…
Troopers from the Lifeguards
A Trooper from the Lifeguards rides along Holkham Beach
Soldiers carry out a minutes silence for those who fell on the beach in Tunisia
Horses enjoyed a swim in the sea
After conducting a normal ride the horses and riders took to the water
