Band practice for Irish cob ahead of Highland games
The final stages of training are underway for a six-year-old horse preparing to take part in Highland games.
Irish cob Socks has taken part in a rigorous training regime ahead of the annual Lonach Highland gathering and games on 22 August.
He will be parading with the Lonach Highlanders and other pipe bands throughout the day of the event at Bellabeg in Aberdeenshire.
To get used to the noise of the pipes and drums, Socks has been attending band practices for three months.
Socks’ owner Derek Gray said the horse has taken the training in his stride.
“I’ve been looking after the horse on the Lonach march for the last two years, taking over the role from my father who had done it for over 40 years before that,” he said.
“Having reared Socks since he was a yearling, I will be extremely proud to march alongside him on games day.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“There’ll be a few carrots close at hand to keep him sweet and ensure he behaves himself and doesn’t end up in the beer tent with all the other Highlanders.”
The Lonach Highlanders, established in 1823, are believed to be the largest body of non-military men to carry ceremonial weapons in Britain.
They march in full highland dress, armed with traditional Loachaber axes and pikes on games day.
Traditionally, a horse and cart followed the highlanders on their marches to carry their weapons.
“The debut of a new horse is always special and we hope Socks will have a long association with the Lonach Gathering,” said Jennifer Stewart, secretary of the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society.
“The sight of 220 Lonach Highlanders and the massed pipe bands leading the Lonach horse and cart onto the games field in such a stunning setting is a sight to behold.”
This year marks the 174th games and other attractions include highland dancing and athletics.
Up to 10,000 visitors from across the world attend the games.
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
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.