Army horses return to London after Christmas break

The army horses are back from their Christmas holidays. — The British Army’s horses have been enjoying a long holiday in Leicestershire.

(Image credit: UK MOD Crown copyright)

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.

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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.

From mud monsters to fit for The King: Army horses return to London after Christmas break

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.

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