Heaven for horses: Household Cavalry and King’s Troop mounts buck, roll and gallop on Christmas holidays

Household Mounted Regiment horses prepare for Christmas Leave. As Christmas leave approaches for some of the serving soldiers in London District; this is true for a number of horses in the Household Division. The move started in the early hours of the morning at Hyde Park Barracks. After passports and scanning of the horses was conducted by the units vet, a road move to Melton Mowbray took place. The horses were met by staff at Melton Mowbray’s Remount Barracks - Defence Animal Training Regiment. A thorough inspection by the vet and paperwork checked and then were taken to their luscious green fields to enjoy for the winter. Photographer: Sgt Donald C Todd (RLC)

(Image credit: Sgt Donald C Todd (RLC))

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.

Household Mounted Regiment horses prepare for Christmas Leave. As Christmas leave approaches for some of the serving soldiers in London District; this is true for a number of horses in the Household Division. The move started in the early hours of the morning at Hyde Park Barracks. After passports and scanning of the horses was conducted by the units vet, a road move to Melton Mowbray took place. The horses were met by staff at Melton Mowbray’s Remount Barracks - Defence Animal Training Regiment. A thorough inspection by the vet and paperwork checked and then were taken to their luscious green fields to enjoy for the winter. Photographer: Sgt Donald C Todd (RLC)

“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.”

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

TOPICS

Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

Heaven for horses: Household Cavalry and King’s Troop mounts buck, roll and gallop on Christmas holidays

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.

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.”

You might also be interested in:

16 horsey Christmas decorations that deserve a spot on your tree

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse brought to life on TV this Christmas