The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) horses have been relocated from the capital to the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) for their annual winter break. More than 150 horses have been taken to the DATR in Melton Mowbray for some well-deserved rest and recuperation.
The HCMR horses enjoy a three-week vacation every winter at the DATR where they spend time grazing and roaming the fields.
Among the first to arrive were the Household Cavalry Drum Horses, Juno and Apollo. The Drum Horses are the most powerful horses in the regiment as when they are on parade, they carry up to 300 pounds of equipment, including two kettle drums as well as the drummers.
Joining them on their winter break were horses from the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The horses take part in events such as Royal Salutes to mark occasions of State, including The King’s Birthday Parade, royal birthdays, and State Visits.
The horses’ stay at the DATR is one of many programmed breaks from ceremonial duties enjoyed by the horses throughout the year.
Equine Veterinary Officer Captain Bowman was there to meet the horses as they arrived.
“The horses are checked by the vet before they leave London and I carry out a second check on arrival to ensure they haven’t hurt themselves during the journey and that they are able to be safely turned out,” he said.
“Just like our soldiers, the horses need a well-deserved rest. It allows them to replenish their energy and lets them gallop and walk about freely which is important from a musculoskeletal point of view. Its lovely to see them galloping and enjoying themselves in the field.”
Images by The British Army
