Household Cavalry makes a splash on training trip PICTURES
Troopers from the Lifeguards ride along Holkham Beach.
Today the soldiers and horses of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment enjoyed a morning riding on the beach and in the sea at Holkham Beach on the North Norfolk coast. After conducting a normal ride to exercise the horses, the saddles were removed and with varying degrees of enthusiasm the horses and riders took to the water, cooling down on a hot morning.
Whilst on the surface the beach ride looks like a frolic it actually serves a serious purpose. The nature of their role means that the horses need to be familiar with all sorts of environments. The beach ride gets them accustomed to another surface in the soft sand and also the water, which many of them will not have encountered before. This also presents challenges to the riders in controlling their horses as well as riding bareback, a skill in itself.
The regiment takes a break from its ceremonial duties in London every year to undertake a training camp in Norfolk. This is an opportunity for the soldiers to catch up on their normal military skills as well as conduct more equine training. Both riders and horses are put through their paces with a range of exercises that help build the confidence of both, preparing them for their duties in London. The facilities at Bodney Camp allow for much variation in riding experiences such as cross country, racing, and competitive sports.
(Image credit: Rupert Frere)
Soldiers and horses have been making the most of the warmer weather on the Norfolk coast.
120 horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment took to the shore at Holkham Beach earlier this month (3 July).
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