A member of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery died following an incident at Royal Windsor Horse Show yesterday evening (15 May).

The soldier was fatally injured at around 7pm, after the troop left the arena following its display.

The show said in a statement that the soldier received immediate treatment at the scene from paramedics and doctors, but could not be saved.

“We can confirm that a horse who fell just before the incident received immediate medical attention and has been confirmed to be uninjured,” read the statement.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the soldier at this difficult time.”

The British Army confirmed the loss, and said the soldier’s family had been notified.

Thames Valley Police said it was appealing for information “following an unexplained but non-suspicious death” at the show.

Chief superintendent Michael Loebenberg said: “We are appealing for anyone with information or material relating to the sad death of a military rider at Royal Windsor Horse Show yesterday to please get in touch.

“Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and the wider community in the military and at the Royal Windsor Horse Show at this extremely difficult time.

“We have not found any suspicious circumstances so we are working with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch and Royal Windsor Horse Show organisers, HPower, to gather as much information as possible to understand how this happened.”

Jo Peck, HPower event director, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the soldier who sadly died yesterday.

“The Royal Windsor Horse Show will continue today as per the published timetable, with the omission of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery display.”

Anyone with information or material relating to the soldier’s death should call 101, make a report on Thames Valley Police’s website, speak to a police officer at the horse show or visit a police station, quoting reference number 521 of 15/05.

Anyone with video or images relating to the incident can send them to Thames Valley Police via the dedicated online portal.

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The horse who led The late Queen’s funeral procession has been awarded the PDSA Order of Merit, for a decade of “outstanding devotion to duty and service to society”.

Lord Firebrand, known as Yogi, was formally awarded the honour known as the “animals’ OBE” at a ceremony in London on 2 October.

“Serving under the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, Yogi has had a distinguished 10-year career,” a PDSA spokesperson said. “In 2022, he showed exceptional bravery during the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and the funeral of Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Yogi went above and beyond his duties by supporting his rider in stressful situations, fostering trust and confidence, making him a worthy recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit.”

H&H reported last year that Yogi was to retire, having led the King’s Troop musical drive at the London International Horse Show. During his career, he took part in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations as the parade commander’s horse, and was part of the full range of state ceremonial and public duty including the state opening of parliament, state visits and Trooping the Colour.

In a video created to mark his award, Captain Amy Cooper of the King’s Troop said: “I’ve never come across another military working horse who enjoys the parade so much and is so well behaved and is just such a lovely character. And they’re very special.

“I found out that I was going to be the person leading the funeral procession for Her late Majesty to lie in state; hearing I’d been paired up with Yogi, I had minimal worries, because I just knew he was going to look after me and do such a good job.

“He was the only horse that we knew of who we thought would be able to pull off that parade in a calm and professional manner.”

Capt Cooper said it is unusual for military horses to keep in time with human marching, as Yogi did on that day.

“So the way he just seemed to get in time with the beat of the drum was quite amazing,” she said. “He seemed to understand the occasion, he was just such a professional on the day. And I was really grateful for that.

“Yogi is particularly special, and in my opinion, the most special military working horse for a number of reasons. When he’s got his state kit on, he looks unbelievable. He’s a postcard-perfect stamp of horse that you want to ride on parade. He just is a very kind, gentle soul. And he just seemed to get better.”

Capt Cooper said it was “heart-warming” that Yogi’s contribution had been recognised.

“I can’t think of a more deserving animal,” she said.

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Major General James Templer, the King’s Troop officer, Olympic rider and former Badminton winner died on 14 December, aged 87.

Born 8 January 1936, James was the son of Brigadier Cecil Robert Templer and Angela Mary Henderson. He attended Charterhouse School in Surrey, then the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

James was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1955. He became British cross-country ski champion in 1958 and was offered a place in the team for the Winter Olympics, but instead joined the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and attended the equitation course at Melton Mowbray.

He bought his first horse, Anglo-Arab gelding M’Lord Connolly, in 1961 and the next year they were second at Little Badminton, and became European champions at Burghley. In 1963, they won the international three-day event in Munich, and in 1964 won Badminton.

That year, they competed at the Tokyo Olympics alongside Mike Bullen on Sea Breeze, Ben Jones on Master Bernard and Richard Meade on Barberry. After the Olympics, James was being posted to Malaya, and so his beloved M’Lord Connolly was sold to US rider Mike Plumb.

James was also a successful amateur jockey, winning the Royal Artillery Gold Cup at Sandown on Pax Vobis in 1962 and 1963.

He retired from the Army in 1990 and set up a small business with his wife Sally, importing and selling silk flowers.

A service of thanksgiving was held for James at Garrison Church of St Alban the Martyr, Larkhill, last month.

He is survived by his wife Sally, children William, Sophie and Tristram, stepchildren Alex and Barley, and eight grandchildren.

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The horse who led the funeral procession of Her late Majesty is to start a new life, having formally retired at the London International Horse Show.

Lord Firebrand, the charger of King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery commanding officer John Baileff, and a “good soul; a true gentleman” bowed out after the Kings Troop musical drive, which had been thrilling audiences throughout the show, on Sunday (17 December).

“‘Yogi’ has done 10 years of service,” Major Baileff told H&H. “We think about 50 Royal Salutes, and more musical drives than any of us, and he’s done something I don’t think another horse will ever do; leading the funeral procession for Her Late Majesty.

“To be able to retire him on such a stage as this, during the drive, which he absolutely loves, is something really special.”

Major Baileff first met Yogi when he arrived with the troop as an adjutant, and had to learn to ride.

“He was one of the horses I learned on,” he said. “He was taught to be a charger by some excellent officers, and they helped me bond with him. I was lucky enough to return as commanding officer and find him still here, and having him as my charger is a lovely sentiment.”

Major Baileff said it had been special not only to ride Yogi, but also to watch him perform from his commanding position on the ground.

“He’s a really good soul,” he added. “A true gentleman, the most calm-natured… but I think his biggest strength is his bravery. He loves performing but you genuinely get a sense from him, whether in the stable or on parade, that he wants to look the part and he just wants you to be ok.”

As with all military working animals, Major Baileff explained, the decision to retire is made by the Army veterinary corps, working with the regiment, and they go through the rehoming process.

“He’ll go to a civilian home, and no doubt have a wonderful life as a military horse veteran; it’s the same for all our horses,” he said. “I think we’re both a bit sad really. I’ll miss him desperately, but I just want to say thank you. He’s just the best.”

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Anyone who has seen the Musical Ride of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery knows the skill, stamina and training required of both soldiers and horses to perform such an array of manoeuvres. Away from shows like Royal Windsor, The King’s Troop also takes the lead when parading with its guns at ceremonial events such as Trooping the Colour, despite the Household Cavalry being first in the Army’s order of precedence, and will be on display at the King’s coronation in May.

Founded in 1793, the Royal Horse Artillery fought in French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars right through to World War I, providing mobile fire support to the fast-moving cavalry. The cavalry was then mechanised during the interwar years, and 1946 saw the formation of the regiment as The Riding Troop, later renamed The King’s Troop after inspection by King George VI – The King’s Troop is now the only remaining mounted unit of the Royal Horse Artillery.

It was a gun carriage of the Royal Horse Artillery that bore the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, her father King George VI and Princess Diana from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. As the monarch’s Mounted Ceremonial Battery, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery also fires Royal Salutes for grand occasions of State.

The regiment includes mounted gunners, gun team drivers, farriers, saddlers, tailors and logistics, and is based at Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich. There are 120 horses in the regiment, 13 of which are officers’ chargers and the rest “ride and drive”, usually sourced in Ireland before being brought over for training at the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

While the Household Cavalry select only black horses (greys for the trumpeters and band), the horses of the King’s Troop are selected to be a certain type and range of colours. The six guns, each weighing 1.5t, are drawn by teams of six horses, each team called a sub-division, and range from light bays in A Sub-division, to blacks in F Sub-division.

The front horses are called leads and are the largest of the team at around 16hh, the centre horses are around 15.3hh and the wheelers at the back are shorter and stockier at 15.2hh. As with horses of the Household Cavalry, once the initial training is done, the horses (known at this stage as remounts) of the Royal Artillery then move to London to complete their training with the specialist equipment of the regiment.

While the Musical Ride is highly entertaining to watch, it is based on drills that had a real purpose on the battlefield. The 13-pounder guns used date back to between 1912 and 1918, and have seen active service in both World Wars; with the exception of the ‘George gun’, which is reserved exclusively for the funeral of the reigning monarch, all of the guns are used daily on parade, in training or at events.

At any one time, there are approximately 140 men and women in the King’s Troop. Having initially been allowed to apply in 1996, almost 50% per cent of the Troop are now women, making it one of the units with the highest balance by sex in the Army. When Major Erica Bridge became commanding officer of the King’s Troop in 2007, she was the first woman to do so in the history of the Household Division .

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A long-serving equine member of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery who took part in Trooping the Colour an incredible 13 times has waved goodbye to his stablemates to enjoy his retirement.

The King’s Troop said goodbye and thank you to Cassius, affectionately known as “Geoff”, following a distinguished career, as he travelled off for a new life at the end of March.

“After a loyal 15 years of service within F Sub Section, Geoff has retired to a loving family home with Alison at the age of 18,” said a spokesman for The King’s Troop.

Geoff took part in “countless parades” during his service. These include 13 Queen’s birthday parades (Trooping the Colour), the Platinum Jubilee, Baroness Margaret Thatcher’s funeral, the state funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh and that of the late Queen. Geoff was also one of the six horses entrusted to pull Her Majesty’s coffin to lie in state during the procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.

Earlier in his career, Geoff broke his hip in an accident – but made a full recovery to return to duty.

“Geoff loved being part of a gun team and being on parade in front of the nation,” said the spokesman. “A trusted troop favourite, Geoff gave many soldiers the confidence to ride on parade and will be sorely missed.

“Thank you, Geoff, and happy retirement.”

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The British Army’s horses are back from their Christmas holidays and starting their transformation from hairy mud monsters to sleek steeds ready for The King’s coronation.

Horses from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment have been enjoying “semi-wild” down time at the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray since early December.

This week, they were rounded up, given a thorough health inspection and were loaded on to horseboxes to be transported back to London ready for their spring glow-up.

Please be patient for the video below to load. Credit: Army in London.

Lance Corporal of Horse, Owen Watkins from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, is the equitation officer overseeing the move and rehabilitation process for the Blues and Royals in Hyde Park Barracks.

“It was important that the horses were given an opportunity to rest and recuperate in the countryside,” he said.

“Moving large numbers of horses out of the city to run free over the festive period also allowed the majority of the regiment to take some holiday.

“It gave us all the chance to recharge our batteries after what had been an incredibly busy and unprecedented year.”

The horses will undergo a seven-week reconditioning programme – they will be clipped, shoes will go back on, tack will be refitted and they will start a fitness programme to bring them back into work.

The regiments’ exact roles in the coronation have not yet been revealed, and they have a busy summer of ceremonial duties. They will be taking part in the first King’s birthday parade in June, the King’s Troop will be firing royal salutes for state occasions, and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will be carrying out the daily King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards in Whitehall.

It was also confirmed today that horses and soldiers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will be taking part in the opening ceremony at CHIO Aachen in June.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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THE master saddler of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery said learning he had been appointed MBE is a “moment he will remember for ever”.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Godfrey Boyd Morris is among the equestrians recognised in the 2023 New Year Honours List, which also includes Louenna Hood, daughter of showing producer Allister Hood, for her work in supporting those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Mr Morris, described by an Army spokesman as “one of the Royal Artillery’s finest soldiers”, was born in Jamaica in 1974 and moved to the UK 25 years later, joining the King’s Troop as a mounted gunner and then completing a saddlery apprenticeship. He has been master saddler of the troop for eight years.

“I’m very grateful and pleased, but very humbled at the same time,” he said. “When I got the news I was a little bit stunned, you don’t know what to say. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen to me.”

Mr Morris was responsible for the tack of all the horses involved in The Queen’s funeral last September, and was part of the Trooping the Colour parade for the Platinum Jubilee.

He said when he was summoned to be told of his award, he thought it might be bad news.

“I sat back in the chair and froze,” he said. “It caught me totally off guard. You want to live the moment, but you don’t know what to do or what to say. It was a lovely moment and one I will remember for ever.”

Helen Yeadon, CEO of Greatwood Horse Charity, was also appointed MBE, for services to disadvantaged young people and former racehorses. Mrs Yeado, who founded the charity with her late husband Michael 25 years ago, told H&H the honour was a complete surprise.

“It’s wonderful; a remarkable honour, for me and for the charity my late husband and I founded,” she said. “I’m sure he’ll be up there absolutely chuffed to bits.”

She added that it was special to receive the honour in Greatwood’s anniversary year. It was the first charity of its kind, to facilitate second careers for former racehorses, before the “fabulous” Retraining of Racehorses was formed. In 2006, it started working with children and young people, offering educational programmes with the horses, and qualified teachers.

“Thousands of children have been through us,” Mrs Yeadon said. “It’s horses helping people and people helping horses.”

Evelyn Pattinson, founder of the Eden Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) group, was appointed MBE for charitable services.

There were British Empire Medals (BEM) awarded to the sector; Louenna Hood’s was for services to refugees; she worked with senior showing steward Phil Judge, of agricultural transport company Philip Judge International, to send container loads of essential supplies donated by the public to Poland. An impromptu auction held in the horsebox after the first trip, with lots including Horse of the Year Show and Hickstead tickets, as well as a bottle of Ukrainian vodka that went for £1,000, raised a further £12,000 for the cause.

Susan Anderson, founder Member of the Barton RDA group, was awarded the BEM for services to people with disabilities and to the community in Linton, Cambridgeshire.

Defra’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Helen Middlemiss, was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), for services to the veterinary and farming sectors.

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Many soldiers will be on duty over Christmas this year – but most of the Army’s horses are enjoying a “long restorative break in the English countryside”.

Hundreds of horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery have been sent to enjoy a month’s holiday in fields over Christmas.

The horses’ shoes have been taken off and they have been taken out of town for some “horse heaven”.

“In the coming weeks they’ll have the time of their lives, getting as muddy as possible and fat on grass, and relaxing,” an Army spokesman told H&H.

“It has been an unprecedented year for the soldiers and horses in London. Millions joined the Household Division as they trooped the colour on the Platinum Jubilee weekend and over 4 billion people across the world tuned in to see those same troops honour Her Majesty one last time on her funeral procession. Since then, the Army has supported the first state visit to the UK since the Covid pandemic, The King’s birthday, and a series of high-profile defence diplomacy events.”

The Army has shared picture of the military horses bucking, galloping, rolling and relaxing in herds.

Trooper Bridges from The Blues and Royals will be on duty, but knows how important the rest is for the horses, who are enjoying their time away.

“Our military working horses have worked so hard this year with an unprecedented series of ceremonial events; from the Platinum Jubilee to The Queen’s funeral, The King’s birthday and the South African state visit,” he said.

“They really do deserve a festive break.”

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A gelding who served in The King’s Troop and enjoyed a silver screen appearance in the Downton Abbey film has retired to the Horse Trust.

Bacchus served in The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery for 13 years as a wheel in D sub-section’s gun team. During his career he took part in events including The Queen’s Birthday Parades, royal salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park, and state visits. He also participated in musical drives at Royal Windsor Horse Show and the Royal Welsh Show.

A spokesman for the Horse Trust said Bacchus, better known by his nickname Dinky, also enjoyed “extra-curricular activities” including hunting, tent-pegging and Pony Club mounted games.

“He also has a claim to fame as he participated in the filming of the Downton Abbey movie, released in 2019,” he said.

The gelding has retired to the Horse Trust aged 17, owing to lameness issues. He reunites with former colleague Serendipity, who retired to the charity last year.

“As Dinky’s name suggests he isn’t the tallest of our military residents, standing at 15.2hh. We look forward to getting to know him more,” said the spokesman.

Another new resident to join the Horse Trust is carriage driving pony Albert, who has retired after 10 years with the Riding for the Disabled’s Ascot Driving Group.

“He had a lovely flowing trot and was often selected as the lead pony in the group, covering more distance than others. Albert also taught some of the coaches to drive and he was incredibly well liked by all his drivers,” said the Horse Trust spokesman.

“He was also used to help a lady with dementia, who used to carriage drive. She worked with him doing stable management and taking him in hand to the field. He was very patient and happy standing while she had therapy with a horse.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Horses from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery have been enjoying some extra-curricular activities across country as they take a “well-earned” break from ceremonial duties.

The horses and mounted gunners spent a week at the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, during which they took part in showjumping, cross-country, and hacking, as well as working on the flat.

The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery is The Queen’s ceremonial saluting battery, firing gun salutes for state occasions and royal birthdays, and is the army’s smallest military unit. The soldiers are trained to drive teams of six horses pulling six First World War “thirteen-pounder” state saluting guns. The unit, which is based at a purpose-built equestrian facilities in the Woolwich Barracks in London, is known for its musical drive performances at shows including Royal Windsor Horse Show, with many of the manoeuvres remaining unchanged since it was first performed in 1897.

Captain Jonathan Brooks said it makes a “relaxing change” for the horses not to be in central London, and to spend time away from ceremonial duties.

“Around 100 soldiers and horses from two of our sections have already been able to enjoy a week at the Defence Animal Training Regiment,” he said.

“It is a fun week for the horses and the troops and it also helps strengthen the trust and confidence between horse and rider, which is vital when performing ceremonial duties. When not practising their equestrian skills, the soldiers enjoyed adventure training including white-water rafting and high ropes.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Tickets for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee go on sale at midday today (22 September). The celebration, titled “A Gallop through History”, will take place in the grounds of Windsor Castle on 12-15 May 2022.

At an event organised at The Royal Mews in London to launch the celebration, Sir Mike Rake, chairman of the advisory committee, promised “a celebration the likes of which will not be seen for generations”.

More than 500 horses and 1,000 performers will create a 90-minute piece of arena theatre, which will take the audience on a gallop through history from Elizabeth I to the present day.

The celebration’s director and producer, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “Without giving too much away at this early stage, we have secured some of the best equestrian, military and musical displays from here and around the world to feature in this huge production.

“After the two years we have had, this will be joyful and humorous with fun aspects, while also being respectful and traditional.”

Platinum Jubilee: equestrian talent on show

Little has been confirmed about the participants, but Mr Brooks-Ward hinted at some of the equestrian talent, which will include acts performed by the Household Cavalry and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

“We include nearly all Her Majesty’s show ponies and horses, and The Royal Mews will play a big part,” he said. “Her Majesty wants to know exactly what is going to go on, but she trusts us to produce something appropriate. She is informed at all times, and obviously we will include any personal requests.”

At The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration, which won a BAFTA for the Best Live Event in 2016, the organisers did manage to keep one secret back – the participation of the Princess Royal and her daughter Zara Tindall, Prince Edward and his daughter Lady Louise, who rode in the gala. It is expected that there will be some family participation in next year’s event too.

Charities set to benefit from fundraising target

The Platinum Jubilee will not only be a majestic celebration. There is a big emphasis on raising money for charity. The 90th birthday gala raised £1.2million, and the organisers are bidding to surpass that target. Several equestrian charities featured among the 2016 recipients, including the Fell Pony Society.

“The little charities are just as important, and these funds can make a big difference,” said Mr Brooks-Ward. “The Fell Pony Society was able to use the money raised to buy a field in Cumbria to help improve this rare breed.”

For horse lovers, the “Gallop through History” will be the highlight of the Jubilee celebrations, however the nation’s official four-day holiday weekend will take place after this event, on 2-5 June.

“We have always been the forerunner for the official weekend, the warm-up event,” said Mr Brooks-Ward, who will be at the helm for his fourth big celebration extravaganza, stretching back to 2002.

The show will be performed live to an audience of over 5,000 on each of the four nights, and ITV and the ITV Hub will broadcast the event to the nation on Sunday, 15 May.

Tickets are on sale from 12pm on 22 September, with further information available at platinumjubilee.com. Ticket purchasers may also book through the Windsor Information Centre, either by visiting the Centre in person or online at http://tickets.windsor.gov.uk.

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The King’s Troop has had a monumental influence on equestrian sport. Julian Seaman takes stock of some of its luminaries

THE past military influence in many of the competitive equestrian sports is sometimes forgotten. The most obvious is eventing, which came into being as an officers’ test at the start of the 20th century and for many years was referred to on the Continent as “The Military”. It became an Olympic discipline in 1912.

Showjumping, racing and polo all had a services’ following before the war, but a golden era was about to begin. It was therefore no big surprise that many of the administrators of these sports came from the armed services.

For more than 50 years, one unit has punched way above its weight in providing sport directors, stewards, team managers, performance directors and a host of other tasks and indeed in the competitive fields. That unit is The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.

After the war, King George VI suggested that following the mechanisation of the last batteries of horse-drawn artillery, a troop should be retained for state ceremonies. The Riding Troop was reformed in 1946. The King suggested that a more apt name should be The King’s Troop, and in 1947 he amended the page in the visitors’ book, crossing out the word “Riding” and writing “King’s”.

On her accession, The Queen declared the name would be a permanent honour to her father. It is a six-gun unit with around 160 soldiers, 130 horses and just six or seven officers, but as you will see, this small pool has produced a plethora of equestrian luminaries over the years. Here are some of them.

BEFORE the war, Frank Weldon’s first love was racing. He won a Military Cross (MC) but was captured as a prisoner of war. On return he had ambitions to ride in the Grand National, but was stymied by a rule change. He changed tack and introduced his horse Kilbarry to eventing.

Frank commanded the Troop between 1949 and 1954. In 1953, Frank and Kilbarry won team gold and individual silver at the European Championships held at Badminton. They repeated the result a year later at Basel. They were an unlucky second at Badminton in 1954, won the 1955 Windsor-hosted Badminton and the real thing in 1956. They won team gold and individual bronze at the 1956 Stockholm Olympics.

In 1965 the 11th Duke of Beaufort’s heir, David Somerset, asked Frank, with his great international experience, to design the Badminton course, and two years later he added to this the role of Badminton director.

As a technical advisor he travelled to many international events, converting many ideas to Gloucestershire. One of Frank’s fellow officers in the Troop, Derek Dyson, joined him as assistant director at Badminton.

IN 1958 the command was taken by Bill Lithgow. Having started as a horse gunner he was poached, post command, after an approach out hunting, to a cavalry regiment. Bill rode at Badminton in 1953, being one of the first in history to fall foul of the Lake. He then became a distinguished chef d’equipe of the British eventing team during the era of the Princess Royal’s greatest exploits.

With his twinkling eye he held total respect. This was nearly compromised during the World Championships at Burghley in 1974. Bill sportingly took part in a donkey Derby, bit the dust, broke several ribs and conducted managerial duties strapped up in his bed at the George Hotel. After his chef d’equipe duties, Bill became a successful head of the Pony Club.

James Templer, as a captain, became European champion at Burghley 1962 on M’Lord Connolly, won Badminton on the same horse in 1964 and rode at the Tokyo Olympics. He was also a successful amateur jockey.

An honourable mention must go to NCO Sergeant Reuben (Ben) Jones, who rode Martin Whiteley’s The Poacher to Olympic team gold at the Mexico Olympics and subsequently became a senior instructor at the Army School of Equitation, Melton.

SEVERAL commanders of Left Section have made their mark. At the outset of the Troop from 1946 to 1949, Eddie Boylan held the post. He won Badminton for Ireland in 1965 on Durlas Eile. Tim Eastwood (1961–64) became chief executive of the British Horse Society (BHS) two days after leaving the army in 1989 and held the post until 1998. He oversaw some seismic changes in the horse world, with the competitive disciplines ceding from the charitable BHS.

Mike Webster (1967–70) became clerk of the course at Kempton Park and Epsom, responsible for the King George and the Derby. Tadzic Kopanski followed Bill Lithgow as team manager of the three-day event team and then as head of the Pony Club.

Malcolm Wallace took command in 1982. He rode his King’s Troop charger Dr Sebastian to complete Badminton in 1974, led a King’s Troop team at the inaugural Hickstead cross-country race and was offered the ride on Brod Munro-Wilson’s Roman General in the 1984 Grand National. They cleared Bechers, the Canal Turn and Valentines, only to come down at the 13th, a more lenient obstacle. He was the last serving officer to ride in the race.

Malcolm has filled many roles in the horse world since leaving the army, from chairman of Burghley to executive director of the Jockey Club. His theory as to why so many Troop officers gained useful employment in the game was that unlike their grander counterparts in the cavalry regiments, they needed to get jobs!

As eventing chef, Malcolm presided over four Olympic Games and three World Championships, moving up to cover all three disciplines as chef de mission.

HUMPHREY MEWS took a slightly different route, commentating at many one-day events while serving as an attaché to Margaret Thatcher at Number 10. He then became assistant private secretary to the Prince of Wales with a brief to find the heir suitable hunters.

Charlie Moore (1991–93) completed Burghley on his own horse Royal Hadleigh in 1980 and the Aintree Foxhunters on the regiment’s horse Lexador in 1987. He has been a long-time commentator and cross-country controller at horse trials and has been clerk of the course at Market Rasen and Uttoxeter, then Nottingham, Doncaster and Towcester. He is currently senior clerk and in charge of all clerks at Arena Racing Company. He could be seen on TV during the void Grand National of 1993 bravely waving a red flag out in the country in a vain attempt to stop the field.

David Holmes is another former commanding officer to work in the sport. After leaving the army he has hardly been away from HQ, being chief executive of British Dressage, a stint abroad with the FEI, a return to Britain as chief executive of British Eventing and back to Italy. He was chef de mission for the 2019 World Equestrian Games.

Charlie Lane won many races as a military amateur. He also became a chef d’equipe of the British eventing team, a racecourse steward and was head of equine business management at the Royal Agricultural College. For several years has stood as an expert witness in court cases. Less well known is that he was once national one-day eventing champion at Goodwood. This was something of an act of God for him. One person could have beaten him, and coming through the finish thought he had. It was none other than Malcolm Wallace. Malcolm was shortly taken aside and told that a timing malfunction had taken place and that sadly he would have to be eliminated!

Last of our gallery is Will Connell (1998–2001). Aged 14, he was pointed towards the Troop by family friend Humphrey Mews. After “The Wood” – as the Troop’s barracks in St John’s Wood was known – he became head of running the World Class programme for all the Olympic disciplines in 2003. This culminated in a fantastic swansong at London 2012.

He is also assistant director at Olympia. While commanding he took a risk in giving the world-famous display a revamp. The riders wore World War I uniform with tin hats; the gun teams negotiated ramps at the gallop and the spectacle was completed with smoke and wiz-bangs. It was a brilliant departure.

All in all, this makes up an amazing roll call for a unit formed just at the right time to serve a burgeoning post-war competitive equestrian world.

You can also read this feature in the 13 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

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A “powerhouse” Welsh cob who served in the King’s Troop, and starred in Downton Abbey, has been put down aged 12 after a short retirement.

Esmerelda, or Bumble Bee as she was known, had been experiencing recurring laminitis, six months after she retired to the Horse Trust.

The 15.2hh Welsh section D mare served for nine years with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery (KTRHA).

“She was a little powerhouse of a horse and served as a leader of the B Sub-Section’s gun team,” a Horse Trust spokesman said. “She performed numerous ceremonial duties at all kinds of state occasions, including royal births, birthdays and anniversaries, parliamentary openings, state visits and state funerals.”

Bumble Bee also took part in high-profile events including The Queen’s birthday parades, royal salutes and the musical drive at the Royal Windsor and Royal Welsh horse shows.

“But her talents didn’t stop there,” the spokesman said. “She was also a movie star. Bumble Bee had a starring role in the Downton Abbey film which came out in 2019.

“Off-duty, she got to participate in plenty of fun ridden events, including cross-country – she was a superb jumper.”

Bumble Bee fitted “perfectly” into the Horse Trust herd on her arrival last October. The spokesman said that owing to previous sinus surgery, she could often by heard “whistling” before she was seen.

“This came in handy when checking the fields on dark winter mornings as we always knew where she was!” the spokesman said. “She was a really gentle, kind and loving girl who will be sorely missed by everyone.

“She had a huge fan club on social media and we loved hearing all the stories her former grooms and riders would tell us about. She was described by a former rider as ‘the most clean and kind little mare I have ever known’ and was very fond of nabbing the apple cores out of everyone’s hands at lunchtime.”

The Horse Trust was aware of Bumble Bee’s history of laminitis when she arrived.

“But we all wanted to make sure she had a good retirement,” the spokesman said. “It became apparent after a few months that her flare-ups were becoming more [frequent] and were incredibly severe, and we were really struggling to manage Bumble Bee’s pain and keep her comfortable.”

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Horse Trust vet, former KTRHA vet Nicky Housby-Skeggs, added: “Sadly her laminitis flared up again and she was very uncomfortable; we knew she had previously struggled to recover and when we saw her deteriorating despite treatment it was felt that her chances of recovering again were very small and it was kinder to let her go.”

The spokesman said Bumble Bee’s time with the charity was “short but sweet”.

“We are proud to have given her six months of the care and devotion that she so deserved but we wished we had her with us for longer,” he said. “She was a stunning, gentle and kind girl who we will never forget.”

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King’s Troop horses who were injured in an incident in London this week are expected to make a full recovery, the Army has confirmed.

While they were being exercised in the Woolwich area on Monday morning (11 January), horses from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery were spooked, it is believed by a car, and ran loose. A number of soldiers fell and were injured.

An air ambulance and the Met Police came to the scene but the former was not used as none of the riders’ injuries were serious.

A spokesman for the Army said: “We can confirm that a number of military personnel and horses from the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery were injured while out training on Monday morning.

“The injured personnel received medical treatment in hospital but were released later that day and are now recovering. The horses too are expected to make a full recovery.”

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A Met Police spokesman said the force was called at about 10am, and all roads were open shortly after 11am. There were no reports of any injuries to members of the public. A spokesman for the London Ambulance Service said personnel treated six people at the scene and took them all to hospital.

The King’s Troop horses’ training has been reduced to the minimum during the coronavirus lockdown but they must be exercised every day for their welfare, while also giving military staff the opportunity to gain and increase their equine-related skills. Since the first lockdown in March last year, the troop’s activities have always been carried out in accordance with Government guidance.

Footage shared on social media this week of King’s Troop horses involved in an incident with an overtaking motorcyclist was taken some 18 months ago.

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The army captain responsible for assuring the training of the Armed Forces’ mounted units is swapping four legs for goggles as he prepares to swim the English Channel.

Captain Harry Grantham, who joined the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery in 1995, is swimming the 21 miles to raise awareness of mental health issues, especially among service personnel.

He was inspired to take on the challenge from his own experiences and hopes to encourage those experiencing mental health issues to seek help at an early stage.

“If I can help make at least one person’s life better as a result of the money and awareness raised by my Channel swim I’ll be delighted,” said Captain Grantham.

“I’m hoping for calm waters, but as I tell the soldiers who take their horses to the beach each year to improve their riding abilities, the most important thing is to have Army confidence – if you can believe you can do something, you’ve done all the preparations you need and you’ve got a strong team supporting you, nothing can stand in your way.”

Several years ago, Major Nigel Mudd noticed a change in his colleague’s behaviour and encouraged him to open up and seek help for personal problems he was struggling with.

Captain Grantham was supported by the Army Welfare Centre, which helped him find a path to improving his mental health.

He now wants to highlight the role everyone can play in each other’s wellbeing.

“If you see something, even something small, go and help them,” he said, adding that this early unbidden intervention can help prevent individuals thinking there is no way forward.

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Since 1875 only 1,881 people have successfully swum the Channel and Captain Grantham aims to join this list with a target finish time of 12-14 hours.

Major Mudd, who supported him through his mental health recovery, will be among those from his old regiment in the support boat on Monday (7 September) when Captain Grantham crosses some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Captain Grantham had a successful career as a soldier with the King’s Troop, including a stint as regimental sergeant major (the most senior position a soldier can reach before commissioning) and then attended the late entry officer course at Sandhurst, where he gained his commission in 2017.

He is now serving as the SO3 equine assurance officer within the headquarters of London District, where he is responsible for assuring the training of all the mounted units, including the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the King’s Troop.

All money raised will go to the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund to support gunners who are dealing with mental illness.

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The Horse Trust has welcomed a “tall, dark and handsome” addition who has retired from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery aged 24.

William, a 16.3hh gelding, has arrived with the charity following an “impressive” career as an officer’s charger.

A spokesman for the Horse Trust said William, who is all black with no white markings, was usually part of the Left Section commander’s horses – who are often used for state funerals.

“William has participated in numerous parades, including Trooping the Colour, and often attracted a lot of attention due to his size and dashingly good looks,” she said, adding that the gelding also attended former prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s funeral in September 2013.

“He was used a lot in training and was said to be a firm favourite for officers’ lessons as he always made them look good with his big flashy movement.”

William retired sound to the Horse Trust and has joined former friends and colleagues, including the charity’s veterinary director and former captain in the King’s Troop Nicola Housby-Skeggs, and King’s Troop geldings Falstaff and Captain Greatgun.

“It was often you would see William on duty with our very well-known Falstaff. Even though Falstaff has been retired with us since 2015, we are sure these two will remember each other,” said the spokesman.

Nicola, who rode William and Falstaff during her time in the King’s Troop, said William was an “absolute pleasure” to ride in parades.

“He was also an excellent showjumper and we all used to fight over him for competitions – it helped that he was incredibly handsome too,” she said.

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“It is so lovely to see him retired with his partners in crime Falstaff and Captain Greatgun with us. Here’s to many years of well-earned retirement for him at the Horse Trust.”

The spokesman added it is “always an honour” to have a military horse join the charity’s family.

“We hope William will be very happy here,” she said.

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By Michael Clayton

Some 250 horses used by the Army in ceremonial duties in London have been enjoying an unscheduled holiday at grass in Leicestershire owing to the coronavirus outbreak.

They have been given their new home by Geoff Brooks and his son, Richard, who farm some 1,600 acres north of Melton Mowbray. They keep most of their the land down to grass to make Eurobale haylage. The horses normally work all summer from the Household Cavalry stables at Knightsbridge or the King’s Troop base at Woolwich.

“We have been regularly taking some Army horses as guests from London in the winter,”said Geoff. “But this year, very soon after they had been returned to London, we received an urgent request to take them back for the summer as well. It is due to the cancellation of the horses’ ceremonial duties at the Trooping the Colour and other events, due to the virus. A few have been retained in London in case they are needed suddenly.

“The horses sent to us had their shoes taken off, but were still in blankets when they arrived, and we kept them in barns. Now they are all out at grass, many of them in big pastures in the Quorn Monday country.

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“They are a great sight when they canter in huge groups round the fields, which we have had to re-fence. The horses are all in wonderful condition, and they look well.”

Stable staff from the Army’s Remount Depot at Melton Mowbray inspect the horses daily, and provide hay as a feed supplement. There was insufficient grass at the Remount Depot to accommodate the horses from London .

“We have no idea yet when the horses will go back to London, but they are welcome to stay as long as necessary,” said Geoff.

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Almost 120 horses from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery have enjoyed a spectacular beach ride as part of its summer military exercise.

The troops, stationed at King George VI Lines, Woolwich Barracks in London, are currently taking part in their summer exercise in Norfolk.

A spokesman for the Army HQ in London said: “The troops and horses have left the noise and confines of London to hone their equestrian and soldiering skills in north Norfolk.

“This exercise at Holkham Beach is an amazing spectacle far removed from the unit’s day-to-day activities in the capital. Getting away from London provides an excellent opportunity to carry out training in an environment away from the city, including cross-country, beach rides and a number of other events.

“It also provides an excellent opportunity to relax and bond after a very busy ceremonial season. Riding at speed on the sand before powering into the sea demands courage, determination and skill.”

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Major Victoria Flood, officer commanding the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, said as well as beach riding, the troops rode into the sea bareback, which she said requires a “whole different skillset in itself”.

“The beach ride is mentally relaxing for the horses and offers them a refreshing change of pace from the ceremonial life in London,” she said.

“It is also a good precursor before we begin to build them up for gun salutes in the tail end of the year. We’ve had a lot of new soldiers and horses come in since we last went to Norfolk for this ride – this is an excellent finishing touch for them after a very busy period learning to ride, especalliy militarily.”

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Fans of historical drama Downton Abbey should keep their eyes peeled for “military superstars” featured in the forthcoming film.

The Downton Abbey film, due to for release in cinemas on Friday (13 September), will star soldiers and horses from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

A spokesman for the army in London said the army “couldn’t be more excited”.

“As well as all our old favourites from the ITV series – Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, Hugh Bonneville as the Earl of Grantham, and Dame Maggie Smith as the ever-cutting Dowager Countess – the movie will feature our very own military superstars, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery,” he said.

“No spoilers but we can reveal that the hard-working soldiers enjoyed a brief break from military duties in London to spend three days on set filming historical scenes for the film in Lacock, Wiltshire.”

There were 68 soldiers and 86 horses involved in filming.

“The ceremonial saluting battery is well used to performing for global audiences so just prepared the horses and themselves as they would for any big parade, even though this one required a lot of stopping, starting and repetition as the cameras captured every angle,” said the spokesman.

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“The producers were really impressed with the Gunners’ professional attitude, patience and ability to take direction, as well as the excellent behaviour of the horses on set.

The spokesman said mixing with the stars was a “bonus” for everyone.

“The cast all wanted selfies with the soldiers in their pristine uniforms. All the soldiers enjoyed the experience of movie-making, learning just how much effort and expertise goes into creating a feature film, and we can’t wait to see the results of their labours on the big screen,” he said.

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Londoners and tourists were treated to the rousing and colourful sight of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and their gun carriages, as the Birthday Salute was performed by regular and reserve soldiers for The Queen on Monday, 22 April.

It was, in fact, The Queen’s 93rd birthday on the previous day, Sunday, 21 April, but as gun salutes are traditionally never carried out on a Sunday, it was on Easter Monday that 71 horses pulled six World War I 13-pounder field guns from the base at Wellington Barracks, past Buckingham Palace and up Constitution Hill on their way to Hyde Park. They then placed the guns into position in readiness for the salute at midday.

Following celebratory music performed by the Band of the Royal Artillery in the glorious spring weather, each of the six guns fired blank artillery rounds at 10-second intervals, until a total of 41 shots had been fired. The horses and riders then escorted the guns back to the Wellington Barracks in Birdcage Walk.

We bring you some of the highlights of the day in pictures…

1. Major General Matthew Sykes, The Princess Royal and Major Harry Wallace, the commanding officer of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, inspect the The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Wellington Barracks

2. The Princess Royal is saluted by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery as they leave Wellington Barracks prior to the gun salute in Hyde Park

3. Members of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and their horses get the World War I field guns into position

4. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery take up their positions in Hyde Park

5. Standing to attention ahead of the gun salute

6. The guns are fired at 10-second intervals for 41 shots to complete the salute

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A soldier from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery who broke her neck trying to halt a runaway gun carriage has returned to the saddle to take part in the accession day gun salute in The Green Park, London.

Lance Bombadier Grace Gostelow was awarded a commendation for bravery following her actions in attempting to control the tonne-and-a-half 1904 gun carriage and team of six horses in the freak accident in Charlton Park in 2017.

The two other riders with the gun team were bucked off, leaving Lance Bombadier Gostelow battling to control all six animals from her pair in wheel. She managed to steer them to the outside of the park away from the public and the carriage was eventually halted when the leaders went either side of a tree.

No horses were hurt in the accident, but Lance Bombadier Gostelow — who could have opted to throw herself clear of the bolting team — sustained serious injuries that required lengthy rehabilitation.

The accession gun salute, on 6 February, marks the moment the throne was passed from King George VI to Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. This year, the 67th anniversary also marked Lance Bombadier Gostelow’s first ceremonial duties back with her team.

It was described as an emotional moment for the soldier and accomplished all-round horsewoman when she rode the team out of Wellington Barracks in front of the public.

“The accession gun salute is a big one for us,” she said. “My job is in the Army, I love the Army and it’s great to be back with the troop and the horses.

“The horses are the biggest thing for me. To get back on board is a milestone. It’s good to crack on and forget that it happened.”

Continues below…

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Major James Luck, commanding officer of KTRHA at the time of the accident, said when presenting the commendation last year that her bravery and courage had been “unexpectedly tested” on an “ordinary day”.

“As the horses galloped away, she repeatedly passed opportunities to leap clear of the runaway gun team to save herself,” he said.

“It must have crossed her mind that if she was thrown at that speed, she might have fallen under the wheels and been crushed by a tonne-and-a-half of First World War gun.”

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A soldier from the King’s Troop who broke her neck as she put her life in danger to halt a gun carriage and team of runaway horses has been given a commendation for bravery .

Lance Bombardier Grace Gostelow “disregarded her own safety and put herself in harm’s way” during the freak incident in Charlton Park, London, last year.

The mounted gunner was riding accompanied by two other soldiers, each controlling a pair, as they undertook routine practice for the musical drive in an isolated area of the park.

One horse bucked, unsettling the others who unseated their riders leaving only LBdr Gostelow in charge of the runaway carriage.

Refusing the take advantage of the opportunity to throw herself clear of the team and the tonne-and-a-half 1904 gun, she put herself at risk as she fought regain control.

A skilled horsewoman who hunts and competes in military races — as well as ride-judging Retraining of Racehorses classes and Irish draughts — LBdr Gostelow tried to steer the team to the edge of the training grounds but they were only brought to a halt when the leaders went either side of a tree.

The horses were uninjured in the collision, but the 30-year-old broke her neck and has had to undergo extensive rehabilitation.

Major James Luck, the commanding officer at the time, said: “On an ordinary day, undertaking routine training, Lance Bombardier Gostelow’s courage was suddenly, and unexpectedly, tested.

“As the horses galloped away, she repeatedly passed opportunities to leap clear of the runaway gun team to save herself.

“It must have crossed her mind that if she was thrown at that speed, she might have fallen under the wheels and been crushed by half a ton of a First World War gun.”

Captain Greg Flynn witnessed the accident.

“From our standpoint it was rather nerve-wracking,” he said. “We had people on the scene straight away and they sent back word that the horses were all right — the harness is designed to break in those situations and the horses were just standing there quietly grazing.

“They’ve all since gone back on duty, though we brought them back slowly to mitigate the risks and make sure it hadn’t affected them in any way.”

The emergency services were called for LBdr Gostelow, who was taken to hospital.

“She was in a bit of shock but she is a proactive individual and was more concerned with when she could get back and start riding again,” said Capt Flynn. “She’s a hardy character through and through. We went to see her as soon as we could and she was more focused on getting back to the gun team than her injuries.

“She told us she could feel her two horses trying to bring [the gun carriage] back under control but she could do nothing about the other four in front. Six horses with one driver is a lot to control — and they are all fit horses.”

Soldiers in the King’s Troop Royal Artillery will undergo four to five years of training before being permitted to ride in the gun team. Accidents are rare.

“It was a series of unfortunate events — we train continuously and the gun team try and do as much or their training as possible in harness,” Captain Flynn added.

Musical drive training takes place twice a week, alongside daily schooling.

Continues below…

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Today (19 October 2017) the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will parade in Hyde Park to mark its 70th anniversary.

“What we do in musical drive can be very dangerous and within units soldiers can spend their entire careers here and become such good horseman, it’s all as safe as humanly possible,” he added.

LBdr Gostelow, who also has an ex-racehorse and lightweight hunter at home, has returned to duties though has not yet been back on the gun team.

“It’s all about building back up strength before riding a gun team again, so we’re just making sure she’s fully fit and strong,” Captain Flynn added. “She’s back riding and is in work but we haven’t been rushing anything.”

LBdr Gostelow was given her award by Major General Ben Bathurst, general officer commanding London district and Major General commanding the Household Division.

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This week’s magazine (26 April), features a full Badminton preview, including a cross-country course walk with Mary King and full form guide for every horse and rider.

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A soldier who was on parade when the King’s Troop was created by George VI in 1947 was present when The Queen inspected the troop on its 70th anniversary — as was a former racehorse once owned by Her Majesty.

Percy Austen, who was serving as C sub-section centre driver when the Queen’s father renamed the Royal Artillery’s riding troop in 1947, was presented with an engraved cartridge case to mark the occasion, in Hyde Park yesterday (19 October).

Six guns and more than 80 horses and their riders from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Queen’s ceremonial saluting battery, were on parade today (19 October).

A spokesman for the troop said: “After a royal salute and the National Anthem, parade commander Major Harry Wallace invited Her Majesty to inspect the troop, which she did from a Range Rover.

“Her Majesty then watched the troop with their guns perform a trot past, canter past, and an advance in review order.”

The Queen also met her own former racehorse Knock Castle, whom she has given to the troop to be retrained as a parade horse, and soldiers and veterans including Mr Austen.

“Her Majesty was shown the first review document signed by her father in 1947 in which he struck out the word “Riding” and inserted “King’s” to name the troop as his own,” said the spokesman, who added that The Queen signed another document to mark the anniversary.

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All soldiers of the King’s Troop, which is stationed in Woolwich Barracks in London, are “superb equestrians” trained to drive teams of six horses who pull the First World War “13-pounder” state saluting guns.

The gunners are also trained as soldiers and deploy internationally as and when required.

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Today (19 October 2017) the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will parade in Hyde Park to mark its 70th anniversary. Go behind the scenes to see what life is like for the horses on the yard in Woolwich, London

In February 2012 the King’s Troop waved an emotional goodbye to St John’s Wood in central London — the unit’s home since its formation in 1947 by George VI.

The 111 horses are now based in state-of-the-art, purpose built facilities on King George VI Lines in Woolwich, south-east London. Take a look at what life is like for the residents…

Go behind-the-scenes with the King’s Troop

The stables

Monarch Equestrian was chosen to provide the 96 stalls and 48 stables. The soldiers’ ‘lines’ horses — which stand at up to 16.2hh and are hogged — live in stalls, but rotate through loose boxes, and the officers’ chargers — which are typically bigger than 17hh and keep their manes — go in the roomy boxes.

Lines horses names have to begin with the first letter of the Commanding Officer’s (CO) name and chargers are all named after characters from Robert Smith Surtees’ novels written from the point of view of ‘Jorrocks’, a sporting cockney grocer. Names include The Duke of Dazzleton, Miss Lovelace, and Captain Greatgun.

The horsewalker

Nothing has been spared on the new site and the horsewalker provides a useful extra opportunity for the horses to stretch their legs.

The indoor school

As well as the indoor school, the ‘Troop’ has access to an outdoor school and a canter track — plus there are nearby paddocks where the horses can be grazed. They are also given stints at grass at the Defence Animal Centre at Melton Mowbray and have recently returned from a well-earned break in Norfolk, where they were exercised on Holkham beach.

The forge

With the horses undertaking considerable road work, the forge is in high demand, with the farriers shoeing on average 60 horses a week.

The pharmacy

Should there be a veterinary problem, the on-site pharmacy has a digital X-ray machine, weighbridge and padded colic boxes.

The tack room

The unit is on 24 hours’ notice to move for a state funeral, which means the tack cleaning standards are fiercely high.

Continued below…

The King’s Troop makes a splash on seaside getaway

The trip to Holkham Beach is a highlight for both horses and soldiers during the troop’s month-long stay in Norfolk

Morning exercise

At around 8.30am, up to 70 horses head out on morning exercise around the roads of Woolwich — having had their turnout thoroughly inspected first.

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The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery has been enjoying a splash in the sea.

While the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment spent time by the coast earlier this summer, this week it has been the turn of the British Army’s other mounted section.

Almost 100 horses from The King’s Troop are staying in Norfolk this month and a highlight for both soldiers and horses is the trip to Holkham Beach.

“This camp is an excellent opportunity for both the horses and soldiers to take a well-earned break from their ceremonial duties in London,” said Captain Greg Flynn, of the King’s Troop.

“The troop hasn’t sent horses to Norfolk for a while, but they always enjoy themselves on the region’s beaches and what they learn here will make them better prepared for the rigours of their ceremonial duties in London.”

The unit is based at Bodney Camp in north Norfolk and the beach training is to help horses and riders develop trust, which is “vital” for their high-profile ceremonial duties.

The King’s Troop is The Queen’s ceremonial saluting battery, which fires gun salutes on state occasions and royal birthdays.

A total of 50% of its members are women and all its soldiers are trained to drive teams of six horses, pulling six First World War “13-pounder” state saluting guns.

It is stationed in King George VI Lines, Woolwich Barracks in London and its soldiers also deploy on operations around the world.

Since the troop’s last visit to Norfolk, it has taken part in a series of high-profile events including the Sapphire Jubilee gun salute, the Spanish state visit, Trooping the Colour, the opening of parliament, First World War commemorative events and parades in Belgium and France.

It has also undertaken the daily Queen’s Life Guard duties in the summer while the Household Cavalry was away in Norfolk.

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Horse & Hound paid a visit to the King’s Troop’s Woolwich barracks in south-east London, to find out the tips, tricks and secrets to their (intimidatingly) immaculate turnout

When your job involves parading in front of The Queen, the stakes are high when it comes to turnout and knowing how to make riding boots shine like a new penny is just one part of that.

“Turnout is extremely important to us,” says the King’s Troop’s Captain Nick Watson. “Not only because we are in the public eye and there is an expectation that horses and harness are shiny, but it also proves that from a welfare perspective all our horses are happy and healthy.

“The main driving force, however, is our own pride,” adds Nick. “There are areas on horses, harness and guns that the public will never see, but we will nonetheless make sure that they are as immaculate as those on show.”

With a 113 horses that need to be turned out to perfection, there is a whole lot of kit to be cleaned and polished. And that’s before they’ve started on the soldiers’ uniform…

We asked Gunner Aimee McCallum to give us the low-down on how their boots — know as wellies — are made so blindingly shiny through a process known as bliffing. NB: we do not recommend you try this at home…

How to make riding boots shine like the King’s Troop

1. Wire-wool the boot down so that the leather is completely white.

2. Burn the wax using the heat gun.

3. Layer the wax onto the boot.

4. Wet the boots.

5. Wait until it sets solid.

6. Use a bliffing rag to lather the boot in polish.

7. Use the heat gun to heat the polish.

8. Repeat the process.

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Don’t miss the King’s Troop — and their shiny boots — in action this Saturday (11 June 2016), for the ceremony of Trooping the Colour, celebrating The Queen’s official birthday. This impressive display of pageantry takes place with over 1400 officers and men, together with two hundred horses.

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While the rest of the country is tucking into turkey on Christmas Day the military mounted regiments are hard at work as usual.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will be guarding the official entrance to the Royal Palaces at Horse Guards in London.

The guard will be changed at 11am on 25 December as it is every other day, except Sunday when it is at 10am.

At Woolwich there is no chance for the soldiers of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery to relax over Christmas as they have 123 horses to feed, exercise and muck out.

On Christmas Day they will be at work at 7am in the Woolwich barracks armed with extra carrots for the horses.

Commanding Officer Robert Skeggs and fellow officers all come in to help provide cover for the soliders on leave.

The horses all have a short ride in the sand school, but the day is a rest day for them – unlike the soliders.

“Christmas dinner for them will be a quick bite to eat like any other working day – mulled wine and horses don’t mix too well,” said an army press officer.

The horses’ first Royal salute of the year is Accession day on 6 February.

The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery have been at their purpose-built Woolwich equestrian centre for three years after moving from St John’s Wood on 6 February 2012.

The centre has an indoor and outdoor school, a veterinary centre with x-ray facilities and a forge.

On Boxing Day the horses will be out as normal hacking round Woolwich Common.

Up at Melton Mowbray the 200 horses of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will be enjoying the last weeks of holiday before returning to the Knightsbridge barracks at the end of January.

“It takes a few days to round them up,” an army spokesman told H&H. “And they need a lot of grooming afterwards.”

Don’t miss our feature in the 24 December issue of Horse & Hound magazine, about staff from across the equestrian industry who work on Christmas Day

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The winners of this year’s Army Photographic Competition were announced last week (28 October) at a ceremony held at The Royal Hospital Chelsea — with these striking equestrian images taking centre stage.

‘Gun Team’: winner of the professional portfolio award, taken by Sgt Rupert Frere of the Royal Logistics Core

Sgt Rupert Frere captured the horses and artillerymen of the King’s Troop putting on a demonstration of their world famous musical drive for the Major General in Charlton Park in April.

The inspection determines whether the unit is fit to perform ceremonial and public duties for the next 12 months.

The inspection began at their purpose built equestrian centre and offices in George VI Lines, Woolwich with the Major General rigorously inspecting the standard of kit, the soldiers, the officers and the guns.

The men and women of The Troop spent several days polishing leather and brass, and behind every groomed mane, perfectly trimmed tail and glinting spur lay hours of physical effort, dedication and very early mornings.

Then the inspection moved to Charlton Park where members of the public witnessed a world class display involving 68 magnificently turned out horses and 59 soldiers performing the musical drive.

Continued below…

Happy 70th Birthday to the King’s Troop! Go behind the scenes at their stables in London

Today (19 October 2017) the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will parade in Hyde Park to mark its 70th anniversary.

‘Surf’s up’: winner of the professional sport award, taken by Sgt Rupert Frere

Sgt Rupert Frere took this photo of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery when they had left the noise and confines of London for equestrian and military training in the rural West Country.

Enjoying the best of the Indian Summer in Cornwall, 12 horses and riders from Centre Section left their temporary stables in RAF St Mawgan just after dawn to take to the surf on Watergate Bay Beach. The freedom and bracing sea breezes are a world away from the unit’s high-profile day-to-day ceremonial activities in the busy capital.

‘Ceremonial selfie’: runner-up in the professional portfolio category, taken by Cpl Jamie Peters of the Royal Logistics Core

Cpl Jamie Peters captured this moment in the stables before the Colonel’s Review in June when a Grenadier Guard took the opportunity for a selfie with one of the ceremonial horses involved in the parade.

It was a double Welsh celebration on Horse Guards Parade as 1,100 soldiers, more than 350 musicians and almost 250 military horses performed the Colonel’s Review under the expert eye of HRH The Prince of Wales. The Prince of Wales was celebrating 40 years as the Regimental Colonel of the Welsh Guards and the Welsh Guards were celebrating their centenary.

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Horse & Hound visited the King's Troop at its Woolwich barracks and took a tour of the forge, to find out just how hefty the shoeing rota is for the farriers

Nothing has been spared at the King’s Troop’s purpose-built facilities at the Woolwich barracks in south-east London, which it moved to in February 2012 from St John’s Wood.

As well as an indoor school, outdoor school, horse walker, canter track, tailors’ workshop, pharmacy — complete with a digital X-ray machine, weighbridge and padded colic boxes — there is the all-important forge.

With 113 horses on King George VI Lines, the unit’s farriers have a hefty shoeing rota on their hands in the army’s largest forge.

Sergeant French, who completed his farrier apprenticeship through the army, shares the facts and figures of the forge.

How many horses are shod a week?

We shoe 60 horses in an average week. Come The Queen’s birthday parade in June we might shoe a 100 a week, just because of the amount of roadwork they’re doing and every horse is out in the team. We shoe the horses in pairs of hooves — so fronts and hinds, occasionally sets — depending on what they need. They very rarely get to overgrow the shoes — they do so much roadwork it’s mainly shoeing for wear.

Continuned below…

King’s Troop horses enjoy a trip to the seaside *PICTURES*

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery have been enjoying the sand and surf in Cornwall on a training exercise

How often are they shod?

Depending on the animal, their conformation, and how much work they’re doing, we can do anything from four to five weeks on a pair of fronts, whereas hinds are generally two to three weeks.

What are the main problems that they encounter?

It’s mainly concussion-related problems that we see because of all the roadwork. All we can do is maintain a good, strong, working life with balanced, regular shoeing. To achieve this every horse is checked by a farrier at least once a week.

Don’t miss the full feature in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (24 September 2015), where we go behind the scenes with the King’s Troop

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Have you always wondered how the King's Troop gets its tack quite so shiny for ceremonial duties? We asked Captain Nick Watson to take us through the unit’s tack cleaning routine

“It looks halfway to being parade ready,” says Captain Nick Watson of the King’s Troop, eyeing up some tack that would earn any civilian a best turned out accolade.

There’s no hint of irony from Nick, but when you consider the spectacle of gleaming horses that we associate with The Queen’s birthday parade or the pomp and ceremony of a state occasion, these steely expectations add up.

We visited the unit at its Woolwich barracks, where it has been based since 2012, on an early September morning to find out about its stable management routine — and how it gets its tack quite so shiny…

The King’s Troop’s tack cleaning routine

1. Start by wire-wooling the leather back down until it’s completely bare, taking off any wax or polish.

2. Use normal shoe polish to brush the tack, like you would do with your shoes.

3. Next is a process called “nobbying”, using a rolled-up set of old tights to bring out a good shine.

4. From there starts the process of “bliffing” which is done using a rag. Put a very small amount of shoe polish on to it and work it in with small circles.

5. For the metalwork, a process called “rifting” is used. First, cover the metal with a metal polish. Next attach the metal to a pillar or post, which is then attached to a leather strap that goes around the waist of whoever is cleaning it to pull it tight. Strips of old guardsmen’s tunics are wrapped around the metal work and pulled backwards and forwards quickly to create friction and heat, bringing the metal up to a high shine.

Continued below…

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King’s Troop horses enjoy a trip to the seaside *PICTURES*

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery have been enjoying the sand and surf in Cornwall on a training exercise

Don’t miss our full feature in the 24 September 2015 issue of Horse & Hound magazine, where we go behind the scenes with the King’s Troop

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The horses of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery enjoyed a late summer break in the West Country last week.

Twelve horses and riders left their Woolwich, London, base to head to Cornwall. It was the first time the horses had been to the seaside in four years.

The horses stayed at a temporary stables in RAF St Mawgan and on Thursday (10 September) headed to the shore to take to the surf on Watergate Bay Beach.

The working horses enjoyed the sea breeze and the cool water, which are a “world away from the unit’s high-profile day-to-day ceremonial activities in the busy capital”, said a spokesman for the Troop.

The visit to Cornwall is a vital military and equestrian training exercise, which is impossible to deliver in the confines of a London-based barracks.

“This camp is an excellent opportunity for both the horses and the soldiers to take a well earned break from their ceremonial duties in London” said Captain Nick Watson, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

“The Troop hasn’t had the opportunity to send horses to Cornwall since 2011, but they always enjoy themselves on these beautiful beaches, and what they learn here will make them better prepared for the rigours of what they face in London.”

Riding on the beach is an essential part of work to build trust and confidence between horse and rider.

Not all horses have seen the sea before, or have the confidence to go into the churning surf, and the waves at Watergate Bay are particularly powerful.

“Even a confident horse can be spooked when the sand beneath their hooves starts to shift and sink,” added the Troop’s spokesman.

“But by trusting their rider and overcoming their fears, the bond between horse and rider is made stronger, and this then becomes vital for dealing with the unpredictable during high-profile events back in London.”

The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery is an integral part of the Household Division and their duties include the firing of Royal Salutes in the Royal Parks on Royal Anniversaries and state occasions, on Remembrance Sunday and The Queen’s Birthday Parade. They also provide the gun carriage and a team of black horses for State and military funerals.

Uniquely in the army, the unit is currently 50% female.

Don’t miss H&H magazine next week (24 September) for a behind-the-scenes look at the King’s Troop stables in Woolwich.

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More than 30 horses from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery have left the noise and confines of London behind for equestrian and military training in the West Country.

Thirty-two horses from Left Section will be staying in the area until the end of the week (22 September).

The horses have been exercising on Woolacombe Beach to help them to build trust with their riders.

“Not all horses have the confidence to go into the churning surf, especially when the ground beneath their hooves shifts and sinks,” said a spokesman.

“But by trusting their rider and overcoming their fears, the bond between the two is made stronger; vital for dealing with the unpredictable during high-profile ceremonial duties back in London.”

Since their last visit to the South West in July

2011, The King’s Troop has taken part in a series of high-profile events including the Diamond Jubilee, London 2012 Olympic Games, the funeral of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, Trooping the Colour and the opening of the Invictus Games.

“This camp is an excellent opportunity for both the horses and soldiers to take a well-earned break from their ceremonial duties in London,” said Captain Jack Stamp Left Section Commander.

“The Troop hasn’t sent horses to the West Country for a while, but they alway

s enjoy themselves on the region’s beaches and what they learn here will make them better prepared for the rigours of their ceremonial duties in London.”

The Troop is holding a public open day this Saturday (20 September) at its temporary stables in the grounds of Mount Edgcumbe Park from 10.30am to 4pm to thank the local community for hosting them.

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A rescue horse who has served for 12 years in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery is to retire to World Horse Welfare this September.

Penny, an Irish draught mare, was severely emaciated and infested with lice and worms when she was rescued as a four-year-old in 2001.

As she was the first unnamed horse to be taken into World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm in Lancashire, she was named after the centre’s benefactor, Penny Thornton.

Previously unhandled and difficult to manage, Penny was nursed back to health by the charity’s original farm manager, Tony Fleming.

She was later successfully rehomed with the King’s Troop thanks to Tony’s connections there, as he had served in the troop for 25 years.

“Penny, now named Hallmark by the troops, is a credit to World Horse Welfare and the King’s Troop,” said the charity’s London field officer Nick White, who visited Penny yesterday (26 March) at the Woolwich barracks.

“It is hard to imagine that as a young horse she had such a bad start.

“She has since performed on countless ceremonial occasions and it has been a privilege to follow her career,” he added.

The mare will return to Penny Farm for rehoming when she retires in September.

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Fellas, forget about dropping to one knee in a restaurant or on a tropical beach.

The bar for horsey girls’ boyfriends has now been set – with a proposal in H&H.

As Martin Tweed – a former King’s Troop soldier – and Amy Beale bonded over horses, it was the obvious choice.

“I wanted it to be something special and, as H&H is always on the dining room table at home, I thought, why not put an ad in.”

And Martin’s thoughtfulness had the desired effect.

Amy takes up the story: “He passed me a copy of H&H. As my mare, Beatrix, has some lumps on her skin, I honestly thought I was going to see an article on allergic reactions.

“At that point, Martin got down on one knee and proposed with a gorgeous ring. “I said yes!”

The couple, from Andover, Hants, think they may marry next September.

We are assured that Beatrix and Toddy, Amy’s miniature Shetland, will play some sort of role…

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (30 August 2012)

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The stables at the King’s Troop new barracks at Napier Lines, Woolwich have been fitted by British manufacturer Monarch Equestrian.

The family owned business – established in 1964 – was chosen to supply the 96 stalls and 48 stables at Napier Lines.

Monarch’s Barbara Fill told H&H: “We are delighted to have been the chosen manufacturers for such a prestigious job.

“With a name like Monarch it was obviously meant to be!”

Monarch worked with architects and builders Morgan Sindall on the project.

Special features include swinging stall dividers, handling stocks in the pharmacy and a horse exerciser.

The new facilities replace the barracks at St John’s Wood, where the Troop has been based since its formation in 1947.

Seven officers, 164 soldiers and 109 horses are based at the brand new barracks.

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Schoolchildren, veterans and local people lined Woolwich High Street last week to welcome the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery to its new home.

The unit left its long-term home in St John’s Wood on 6 February and the seven officers, 164 soldiers and 109 horses moved into their brand new barracks – Napier Lines – the following day.

“We have been tremendously heartened and humbled by the strength of public support for the King’s Troop and The Army,” commanding officer Major Mark Edward told H&H.

Napier Lines was commissioned and designed exclusively for the King’s Troop, and work on the £16m project began in October 2010.

The horses will be hacked on nearby Woolwich Common and where there is also a grassed training area.

The barracks also has a canter track, an outdoor school and a 120x80m indoor arena.

This is big enough for them to practise the musical ride, where horses tow the troop’s six World War I guns at a gallop in choreographed manoeuvres.

For pictures and more on this story see the current issue of H&H (16 February)

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Thousands of people lined the streets of St John’s Wood, north London on Monday (6 February) to bid farewell to the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

‘The Wood’ has been the unit’s home since its formation in 1947 by George VI and there has been a military presence on the site since the 1800s.

“It’s a sad day,” said Dave “Speedy” Rolfe, a gunner from 1960-67.

“This is our spiritual home.”

The lease has expired on the site, so the King’s Troop is moving to new, purpose-built barracks in Woolwich, south-east London.

Commanding Officer Major Mark Edward addressed the crowds in St John’s Wood high street.

“We will miss you all tremendously,” he said.

“The fact that so many of you are here today is a truly humbling experience.”

The unit’s departure was timed to coincide with the accession of Her Majesty The Queen.

After the farewell speeches, songs and a blessing, the King’s Troop headed to Hyde Park to fire the 41-gun salute, marking the formal start of Diamond Jubilee year.

To read the full news story about the King’s Troop leaving St John’s Wood see the current issue of H&H (9 February 2012)

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The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery commissioned an unusual picture for its Christmas card this year, to commemorate its 200 years in St John’s Wood, north London, the home it must leave in a few weeks’ time.

Photographer Julian Calder recreated the 1882 painting by GB Giles, showing the barracks where the regiment has been based since 1810.

The photo is taken in the same stables as those depicted in the painting – with modern-day soldiers and horses recreating the composition.

The painting now hangs in the Cavalry and Guards Club in Piccadilly.

Mr Calder said: “It was a lucky shot – normally you would expect a picture of this sort to be a composite, but this was one shot.

“The trooper by the horse with the blaze [on the right of the stables] gave it a nudge and it turned at the same moment as the horse on the left.

“It may not seem a very Christmassy card, but it means a great deal to the Troop, as they are leaving St John’s Wood soon.”

The lease expires on the St John’s Wood barracks in March and the Troop’s 120 horses and 168 soldiers and officers will move to modern, carbon-neutral barracks in Woolwich in February – where hot water and heating will be powered by pellets created from the muckheap.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (5 January 2012)

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The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery unit did not take part in the Trooping the Colour parade to mark The Queen’s 85th birthday on Saturday (11 June) after one of its horses tested positive for strangles.

Commanding Officer Neil Cross stressed that it was a precautionary measure in view of other ceremonial duties, such as last week’s Royal Ascot (14-18 June).

“One horse tested positive and is now in isolation,” he said. “We haven’t got an epidemic, but we wanted to act responsibly and could not run the risk of infecting mews and Household Cavalry horses.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (16 June, 2011)

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A horse from the King’s Troop had to be put down after an accident in the Royal Gun Salute in Hyde Park yesterday (2 June).

The horse, called Murphy, slipped during the parade and his legs got caught up in the gun carriage. He was put down at the scene.

The Royal Gun Salute takes place on the 2 June every year to mark The Queen’s coronation.

“Unfortunately the horse became entangled in the gun carriage which was being moved into position and very sadly broke its leg,” a spokesman for the Army told the Daily Mail.

“The vet officer in place immediately gave him pain relief but it was a very complex fracture and the only course of action was to put him down.”

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The King’s Troop’s new carbon-neutral barracks in Woolwich, London, will be powered by muck.

The 120 horses at the troop’s current home in St John’s Wood create around 1,000tonnes of manure and bedding each year and army bosses want to put it to good use.

When the troop moves to its new base in 2012, hot water and heating will be powered by pellets created from the muckheap.

Commanding Officer Major Neil Cross said: “We do create a considerable amount of waste and where previously it went to be used in compost and mushroom propagation, we can now use it ourselves.”

He said the key issue for him was to ensure the new stables had good ventilation. The roof will have a solar chimney that pulls out stale air.

The building will also incorporate rainwater harvesting and dirty water recycling.

“Woolwich represents an improvement in accommodation for the soldiers and horses,” added Major Cross.

The King’s Troop must move from its base of more than 60 years when the lease runs out in 2012.

Its £16m new, eco-friendly home will be at Napier Lines in Woolwich — the historic home of the Royal Artillery.

It will boast stables and full facilities for 170 horses, with an indoor school, outdoor manège and canter track, museum, forge and all-weather forming-up area.

Construction company Morgan Sindall will start work in September and hopes to be finished by November 2011.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (22 July, ’10)

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The public is invited to watch the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery Musical Drive next Monday — for free.

At 11am on Monday (19 April), the world-famous musical drive will go through its paces in Regents Park, London, under the watchful eye of Major General William Cubitt, the General Officer Commanding the Household Division.

Major Gen William Cubbitt will conduct his annual inspection of the troop at Gloucester Green in the north-eastern corner of Regent’s Park, near London Zoo.

The Troop — supported by the Band of the Royal Artillery — will perform a six-gun musical drive, march past the inspecting officer and then ride back to St John’s Barracks via St John’s Wood High Street.

Members of the public are invited to gather on footpaths on Gloucester Green in Regents Park.

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Horses and soldiers from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery took a well-earned break from their ceremonial duties in London recently and headed to Cornwall for a spot of hunting.

The Troop’s Right Section enjoyed its annual summer camp from 12-19 September, stabled at a dairy farm outside Polzeath on the North Cornish coast.

Under the command of Capt Harry Wallace, 25 soldiers and 27 horses made the most of the Indian summer.

In complete contrast to their working routine, the horses had daily gallops along the golden sands of Polzeath and swam in the sea.

They also enjoyed mornings with the Four Burrow hunt and North Cornwall hunt — and the Devon and Somerset Staghounds on their way home to London.

The North Cornwall met in the heart of Bodmin Moor where horses and riders relished the chance to let off steam across the outstanding countryside.

Capt Wallace said: “Whenever we go down we visit as much as we can — the horses love it.”

During their stay, the Right Section held a public open day at Carruan Farm, Polzeath, raising over £1,500 for Help for Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund.

Capt Wallace added: “The Cornish beaches and moorland provide a wonderful getaway for our horses. The wide-open spaces allow them to have a proper gallop.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (1 October, ’09)

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Both the Duke of Edinburgh and his daughter Princess Anne took the salute at ‘Beating Retreat’ a floodlit military spectacular at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, London this week (3-4 June).

The Duke on Wednesday (3 June) and Princess on the following night, saw over 400 soldiers and musicians perform popular melodies and famous military marches.

The Mounted Bands of the Household Cavalry, the Massed Bands of the Foot Guards and Guns of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and special guests the Norwegian King’s Guard Band all performed at the event.

The term “beating the retreat” comes from the early days of organised warfare when the day’s fighting was ended and “beating ye retreate” was the signal to end the fighting, return to camp and post sentries for the night.

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Members of the public are invited to watch the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in action for free next week in London.

Major General William Cubitt will conduct the annual inspection of the King’s Troop RHA at 11am on Monday, 27 April, in Regents Park.

The King’s Troop will perform their famous Musical Drive, supported by the Band of the Royal Artillery.

Based in St John’s Wood barracks The Kings Troop RHA are responsible for firing Royal and ceremonial salutes. Six horses draw each gun and limber, with the gun detachment riding behind each gun. All the guns were used in the first World War and are over 100 years old.

The Kings Troop RHA can also be seen riding on The Queen’s birthday parade, the state opening of Parliament, state visits and Remembrance Day.

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The UK’s foremost equestrian brigade — the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery — will move to the former Royal Artillery Barracks at Woolwich, the army has exclusively told H&H.

Colonel John Brown, deputy chief of staff for the London district, said: “The lease on the troop’s present barracks in St John’s Wood runs out in March 2012, when it is to be developed.

“At Woolwich the troop will be accommodated in the huge barracks that were vacated by the Royal Artillery in July last year,” Col Brown explained.

He said the troop would be housed in Napier Lines, an area close to the original barracks of 1776, which boasts the largest parade square of any UK garrison. It will be one of two units housed at Woolwich, the second has yet to be chosen.

“There is some work to do. A building used for vehicles will become a modern stabling compound and provide more up-to-date facilities than the troop presently has,” added Col Brown. “We intend to start work early next year and be finished in November 2011, so the troop can move in time for its royal diamond jubilee year — 2012.”

Many of the King’s Troop’s duties are ceremonial and one of the benefits of the St John’s Wood site was its proximity to central London — a 40-minute hack from Buckingham Palace.

The new site will not afford them this luxury, but Col Brown said a staging area would be provided at another central London barracks where they will arrive by horsebox and base the horses for up to 24 hours.

Former commanding officer of the unit Will Connell, who is now British Equestrian Federation performance director, said the move will cause the troop significant logistical problems.

“I retired in 2001 but would not have enjoyed serving in Woolwich,” he said. “Being so far out of the centre will cause huge problems for royal salutes, but the troop will carry on — that’s the difference between the army and the rest of the world.”

Another potential concern is that Woolwich barracks has been chosen as the venue for the shooting during the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Major Erica Bridge, the troop’s first female commander, said the MOD is working with the 2012 Organising Committee to ensure the horses are not affected. She said they are looking at the move as a catalyst for change in the troop.

“This is an opportunity to look at how we do things and see if there are better ways,” she said.

King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery website

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The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will mark the 55th anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation tomorrow with a gun salute.

Tomorrow — Monday 2 June — the public can gather in Hyde Park, near the Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane, to watch the 75 horses and soldiers from the King’s Troop perform a Gun Salute.

Shortly before midday six First World War guns, each drawn by Irish Draught horses, will form up in a line abreast, and embark on a 41 Gun Salute in her Majesty’s honour.

Major Erica Bridge Commanding Officer of the King’s Troop, said: “This is one of a number of gun salutes we perform each year. Gun salutes will also be fired on 10 June to mark the birthday of The Duke of Edinburgh as well as at the conclusion of The Queen’s Birthday Parade on 14 June in Green Park.”

The Kings Troop gained its name in 1947 when King George inspected the Riding Troop and wished it to be known as “His” Troop. After the Queen’s coronation she decided that this title should remain in her father’s honour.

Now the Royal Horse Artillery — whose barracks are situated in St John’s Wood, London — takes precedence over all other Regiments when on parade with its guns.

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A King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery horse was put down on Tuesday 6 May after an accident during rehearsals for the first Royal Windsor Tattoo.

The King’s Troop performed its musical drive at the Tattoo that took place in the evenings of the Royal Windsor Horse Show (8-10 May).

The display involves a “scissors” movement where the whole troop criss-crosses at the gallop, while pulling 6 tonne gun carriages.

A King’s Troop spokesman said: “It’s very sad. There was a collision and the mare Capriole broke both front legs and had to be put down.

“The horses are going hell for leather and they have to time it so that they pass in the middle. Something went wrong on this occasion.”

The accident mirrors an incident in 2005 when a horse collided with a gun carriage during the same manoeuvre.

On that occasion, the accident took place in front of crowds during an evening performance of the show.

Royal Windsor organiser Simon Brooks-Ward said: “It was a very sad and regrettable accident. The King’s Troop takes all precautions to make the drive as safe as possible.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (15 May, ’08). To read Horse & Hound’s exclusive news first, pick up your copy every Thursday morning

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The annual inspection of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will be taking place tomorrow (Thursday 1 May) in Regents Park.

Major General William Cubitt, General Officer Commanding of the Household division, will conduct the inspection at 11am.

The King’s Troop will perform its world-famous musical drive, supported by the band of the Royal Artillery and the public can enjoy the display on Gloucester Green in the north-east corner of Regents Park, free of charge.

Based in St Johns Wood The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery is responsible for firing Royal and ceremonial salutes. All of its 13lb guns were used during World War One and are over 100 years old. Six horses draw each gun and limber, with the gun detachment riding behind each gun.

The King’s Troop RHA can also be seen as part of The Queen’s birthday parade in April, the state opening of parliament, state visits and Remembrance Day.

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