From muddy monsters to fit for duty: cavalry horses given winter make-over
The Household Cavalry horses are back from their winter holidays and undergoing their post-break make-overs as they prepare to return to work.
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The horses enjoyed their annual Christmas holiday in the fields at the Defence Animal Centre at Melton Mowbray, and the last of them returned to London at the weekend.
“It is up to the soldiers of the mounted regiment to face the daunting task of transforming these steeds into a state fit for the eyes of Her Majesty The Queen,” said a Household Cavalry spokesman.
“Body brushing, extensive washing with soap and conditioner, clipping, shaving, plucking, and trimming are just a few jobs that need to be undertaken.
“New shoes and polished hooves are also a must.
“The seemingly impossible task will be completed in a few weeks by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment soldiers who, as ever, stand ready for the challenge of their duty.”
Among the returning equines is the Shire Perseus, the mounted regiment’s newest drum horse.
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Perseus, formerly known as Big Red, returned to Knightsbridge Barracks on 19 January.
“[He] looked very different from his immaculate appearance when he was presented to and named Perseus by Her Majesty The Queen in October,” said a spokesman.
“His coat has grown long and is deliciously mud-matted from running and rolling ‘wild’ and free with his fellow horses over winter.
“Now the boisterous Shire horse is back on his fitness regime, will be groomed back to sleek perfection, and begin the important work of learning how to lead the mounted band in the nation’s biggest and most important parades.
“The troopers of the Household Cavalry regiment certainly have a challenge ahead but Perseus’s lovely nature makes the job easy.”
HORSES HOME FROM THEIR HOLIDAYThe horses of the The Household Cavalry have returned from a well-earned break in the fields of the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray.But after the indulgences and excesses of their time off duty there is now a tough challenge to get the majestic animals back in perfect order.The impressive beasts from the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals are currently unrecognisable from the immaculate condition usually seen when they form the Queen’s Escort.So, the long hair, matted manes and fat bellies will all need to vanish quick time in.The troopers of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment face the daunting task of transforming their steeds into a state fit for the eyes of Her Majesty The Queen.Body brushing, extensive washing with soap and conditioner, clipping, shaving, plucking, and trimming are just a few jobs that need to be undertaken.New shoes and polished hooves are also a must.The seemingly impossible task will be completed in a few weeks by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment soldiers who, as ever, stand ready for the challenge of their duty.Posted by The Army in London – HQ London District on Saturday, January 27, 2018
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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.