Introduction

After the 2nd World War, during which all horsed regiments
had been mechanised, a composite regiment known as the
Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, based at Hyde Park Barracks,
was formed (in 1946) to carry out public duties.

The regiment is made up from men drawn from the
Household Cavalry Regiment - formerly The Life Guards and
The Blues and Royals - who are based at Windsor on
armoured reconnaissance duties.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment consists of two sabre squadrons,
The Life Guards Squadron and The Blues and Royals Squadron.

There is a Headquarters Squadron including the Quartermaster's Department,
the Riding Instructors, the Training Wing, the Regimental Veterinary Officer
who supervises the Regimental Farriers, and the Regimental Medical Staff.

With 250 horses, it is the Regiment's task to carry out the traditional
ceremonial role of the Household Cavalry - its duties include providing
The Queen's Life Guard daily at Horse Guards, finding all Sovereign's
and other escorts, providing mounted bands, and certain
dismounted duties for the Royal Family and visiting Heads of State.

A sad day in the Regiment's history is 20 July 1982.
On this day, the IRA were responsible for a car-bomb attack on
The Queen's Life Guard, as it proceeded along the side of Hyde Park,
on its way to Horse Guards.

Four men were killed:

Captain Daly, SCpl Bright, L/Cpl Young, and Tpr Tipper.

CoH Pitt (the Guard commander) subsequently received
the BEM for his actions at the scene of the blast.

The horses that died were: Cedric, Epaulette, Falcon, Rochester,
Waterford, Yeastvite, and Zara - three other horses were injured,
but subsequently recovered.

To this day, each time The Queen's Life Guard pass the spot where
the bomb was detonated, they bring their swords down from
the "slope" to the "carry" - coupled with an "eyes left" or "eyes right"
- as a mark of ongoing tribute.

Show jumping plays an important part in the activities of the Regiment,
as it is competitive and helps horse and rider to bond,
as well as building the confidence of both.

Records show that the Riding Master of the day,
Major Walter Thompson, MVO MBE DCM,
took part in the very first Badminton three-day event in 1949,
representing the Household Cavalry, and was the first
Household Cavalryman to compete in military uniform -
minus a hard hat, which was not obligatory in those days!

A (Fairly Typical) Day In The Life Of
The Mounted Regiment

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is always busy,
and there are duties undertaken each and every day of the year.
In addition, there are major inspections, parades and state occasions
that call for the very highest standards, and which often stretch
the Regiment to the limit.

Whenever the Mounted Regiment is performing state and
public duties (whether mounted or dismounted), they epitomize all that
is the very pinnacle of perfection - immaculate turnout of their horses,
the horse furniture, attention to the most minute detail of their
own turnout, and the manner in which they perform their duties.

That this perfection is regularly achieved is no accident, but is
the result of many hours of concentrated drills and equestrian training,
which occupy much of the soldiers' working days, during which
they hone and fine-tune their horsemanship.

As Hyde Park Barracks are situated at the side of the park,
Hyde Park affords ideal facilities for ongoing equestrian training, and
for fine-tuning the skills required in full ceremonial uniform (with sabres),
and for rehearsals in the run-up to major parades or displays.

Only when their mounts have been fed, watered and groomed can the men
of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment attend to their own personal
needs, and around all of this they spend hours every day on ensuring that
their kit, and that of their horses, is kept in immaculate condition,
so that it passes inspection by the keenest of eyes.

Blanket Ride

The Blanket Ride, at 6.30 a.m., serves the purpose of
limbering up those horses and riders who will, later in the morning,
be prepared and inspected prior to departure for duties as
The Queen's Life Guard, at Horse Guards.
The Blanket Ride takes 30 minutes.

Watering Order

Every day, at 7.00 a.m., the Watering Order sets off
from Hyde Park Barracks and travels down some of the streets
in central London, in order to provide exercise for horses and riders
(including Band members) not participating in the day's
Queen's Life Guard.

The tradition dates from the time when, in battle,
horses were taken from camp each morning to find water to drink,
before setting off into battle - the Ride takes an hour.

Queen's Life Guard

The Queen's Life Guard is formed on alternate days by
The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals, and there are two types
of guard - a Long Guard when The Queen is resident in London,
and a Short Guard when The Queen is not resident.

Changing of The Queen's Life Guard

Should HM The Queen leave London while the Guard is mounted or,
having been away, return to Buckingham Palace, then the composition
of The Guard changes accordingly - it is "made up" or "made down" to suit.
The Guard requires lengthy preparation each day, followed by
intense inspection to ensure the very highest of turnout.

The ceremony takes place at Horse Guards because,
way back in 1753, the Horse Guards building was completed
near to the position of the Holbein Gate of Whitehall Palace
(destroyed by fire in 1698) - the one and only official entrance
to King George II's residence at St James's Palace.

It continued to be the official entrance after King George III moved
to Buckingham House (now Buckingham Palace) in 1762.
When Queen Victoria ascended the Throne, she retained
Horse Guards as the official entrance to Buckingham Palace,
which remains the case today.

This is why The Queen's Life Guard is still posted at Horse Guards.

The Guard is changed at Horse Guards daily at 11.00 a.m.
(10.00 a.m. on Sundays), for which the Guard departs Hyde Park Barracks
at 10.30 a.m. (9.30 a.m. on Sundays).

In addition, there is a Four o' Clock Parade each day at Horse Guards,
for which the Captain of The Queen's Life Guard (if a Long Guard)
- or the Orderly (Duty) Officer from Hyde Park Barracks (if a Short Guard) -
inspects The Queen's Life Guard.

Duties Of The Queen's Life Guard

The New Guard rides from Hyde Park Barracks, via The Mall, to the
Front Yard of Horse Guards. The Life Guards and The Blues And Royals
furnish the Guard alternately.

Two mounted sentries are on duty, at a time. They are known in
the Household Cavalry as 'Boxmen', because of the large sentry boxes
into which they can rein back, in wet weather.

They are required to give warning to the Guard of the approach of any
person, from Whitehall, who may be entitled to receive compliments
from the Guard, and of military personnel on the march.

The 'Boxmen' must also be alert to any civil disturbance
that might develop.

In the event of any serious breach of the peace, the gates of
Horse Guards could be shut, and the Guard called out - in readiness -
behind them.

The mounted sentries are on a separate roster to those
who are dismounted, as 'Boxmen' are only posted between
10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., and are relieved every hour
(except in extremely cold weather, when the time may
be reduced to half an hour).

One reason for the horses being on parade for a relatively
short period of the day, is so that sufficient time be allowed
for them to be properly groomed, watered, and fed. The box horses
are chosen with care, as those with a lively temperament may not be
too willing to stand patiently with a rider for a long period of time.

The duties of the dismounted sentries are to prevent people
from loitering unnecessarily in the Yard, and to pay compliments
to passing Officers of HM Armed Forces.

They are under orders to bar the entrance of all carriages and cars,
through the Arch of Horse Guards, unless the traveller is in
possession of (and be able to produce) a special Pass, which is
issued to a limited number of high ranking officials.

Only the Royal Family is exempt from this rule.

A (Fairly Typical) Year In The Life Of
The Mounted Regiment

With Christmas and New Year festivities over, the Regiment
prepares for horses coming in from grass, so that work can begin
for the forthcoming year.

The first quarter of the year sees much preparation for
the Major General's inspection, at which time the entire Regiment
is under the closest scrutiny, ensuring that it is in tip-top condition
for the advancing parade season.

The following is the sequence of events - with a brief explanation -
in a (fairly typical) year.

Horses Come In From Grass

After the State Opening of Parliament, the majority of the
Regiment's horses go out to grass, at DAC (Defence Animal Centre)
Melton Mowbray, for the winter, thus providing men and horses
with a welcome break after the busy ceremonial period.

The horses return to the Regiment in March, which heralds
the start of the new season, with a progressive build-up of training,
for men and horses, throughout April and into May.
The horses are also subject to washing, clipping, and manicuring
during this time, to bring them up to parade standard, in time for
the Commanding Officer's horse inspection.

Spring Training

With the horses back in barracks, Squadron Leaders and Troop Leaders
drill all their men in the basic cavalry movements, and
the drills required for the ceremonial season.

This training takes place on Rotten Row, in Hyde Park,
and usually occurs between 0700 and 0800
on Monday to Saturday inclusive.

Troops form into divisions of 24 men
(2 ranks with 6 sections of 4 men + 1 Officer).

Major General's Inspection

This inspection in late April,
by the Major General Commanding Household Division,
is held in Hyde Park and is the first parade of the year -
signalling the start of the very busy parade season,
and its purpose is to ensure that the Regiment is
fully prepared to the very highest standard.

The Regiment provides 4 divisions, both Standards, and
all Officers and Staff Officers are on parade, mounted.
The Regiment carries out a walk past, trot past, and canter past,
before advancing in Review Order.

Throughout the parade, the Commanding Officer of the
Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is accompanied by his Trumpeter,
recalling the days when in battle, the cavalry relied upon trumpet calls
for communications between the Commanding Officer and his troops.

Combined Cavalry Memorial Parade

Also known in the Regiment as 'Cavalry Sunday', this takes place
annually in Hyde Park on the second Sunday in May, and
takes the form of a march past by former and serving members
of many cavalry regiments, followed by a short service to
commemorate those who were killed on active service.

For this, the Regiment provides the two regimental bands
(augmented by musicians from other regiments taking part),
4 State Trumpeters, and a marching party formed of 1 Officer and 12 men
from each of The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals.

Occasionally the salute is taken by a member of the Royal Family,
or visiting royalty.

In recent times, the main parade has been followed by tributes
being paid at the nearby site of the memorial to the four men
and seven horses killed in the IRA bomb outrage of 1982.

To this day, each time The Queen's Life Guard and other formed bodies
of Household Cavalry pass the spot, they bring their swords down
from the slope to the carry, coupled with "eyes left" or "eyes right"
as a mark of respect.

Bands passing the scene stop playing as they approach the spot,
and resume only once they have passed.

Major General's Review (Trooping The Colour)

There are two rehearsals - on Horse Guards Parade - for
the Queen's Birthday Parade, and the first of these is taken by
the Major General Commanding London District.

Colonel's Review (Trooping The Colour)

The second of the rehearsals for the Queen's Birthday Parade is taken by
the Colonel of the Regiment whose Colour is being trooped.

The Queen's Birthday Parade (Trooping The Colour)

This is usually held on the second Saturday in June, on Horse Guards Parade.
This is the most important parade of the year, and dates from the days
when colours were rallying points in battle (as far back as 1700).

The entire Household Division - under the command of
the Major General Commanding Household Division - takes part,
including the Household Cavalry, the five regiments of Foot Guards,
and King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

Years ago, in the field, it was the practice to carry colours through the ranks,
at the end of the day, before escorting them to headquarters,
where they were kept safe for the night.

This ensured that all the men were familiar with their own colour (or standard),
and that they all knew where their HQ (place of assembly) was,
especially when in a location unfamiliar to them.

The colours came to represent the regiment itself, deserving of
the utmost respect, and the parade known as "Lodging the Colours"
evolved into the parade that is undertaken annually on Horse Guards -
although these days, reserved for the Queen's Colour only.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment provides both regimental bands,
1 Standard, and 4 mounted divisions. They move first to Buckingham Palace,
in order to escort HM The Queen to Horse Guards Parade, although they
then have to wait while the relevant Foot Guards Regiment Troop its Colour,
after which The Household Cavalry - and the King's Troop,
Royal Horse Artillery (since 1998) - complete
a march past at the walk and trot.

Once the ceremony is complete, the Mounted Bands of
the Household Cavalry, and the Sovereign's Escort lead HM The Queen
back to Buckingham Palace, where they then rank past The Queen
before returning to Hyde Park Barracks.

The Garter Procession And Service
(Windsor Castle)

Founded by King Edward II in the early fourteenth century,
the Most Noble Order of the Garter is the highest and
most exclusive order of knighthood in the United Kingdom, consisting of
members of the Royal Family and a limited number of Knights Companion,
who join the order at the specific behest of the Sovereign.

The symbol of the Order is a blue "garter"
with the motto Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense, and it is thought that
the garter originally was a small strap - used as a device with which
to attach items of armour - and came to represent a symbol of
binding together in common brotherhood.

Over the centuries, the insignia has developed - starting with a garter,
and badge depicting St George and the Dragon.
In the sixteenth century a collar was added, with the star
and broad ribbon being added a century or so later.

The service takes place on Monday, two days after The Queen's Birthday Parade,
in June, at Windsor Castle. On this day, the Knights of the Garter gather at
Windsor Castle, where new Knights take the oath and are invested with
the insignia of the Order - Garter, Star, Riband, Collar and Mantle.

The Band enters Windsor Castle

Household Cavalry Route Liners

After the Presentation of New Standards, the Mounted Regiment walk past,
and then trot past - they are then followed by a drive past of the CVR(T).
For the ceremony, one Band is Mounted, the other Dismounted.

Every 30 years, a new Guidon is presented to The Blues and Royals.

Most recently the two occasions were combined at Horse Guards
on 21 May 2003.

Brickhanging (The Life Guards)

This is a tradition peculiar only to The Life Guards, and its origin
seems to date back to 1889.

The story (one of many, all of them plausible) is that Joe Holland,
a civilian forage master to the 2nd Life Guards, was about to join senior
NCOs for a pre-Christmas drink prior to going on leave. On the way,
he was summoned to go instead to join the CO for a sherry.

None too pleased, and seeing a loose brick in the corner of the Guardroom wall,
he threw the brick up onto the sloping roof of the Guardroom,
saying that while it stayed up there he wanted the mess bar to remain open
to await his return. A few sherries later, and the worse for wear, he went home
to sleep off the effects. In due course he awoke, and suddenly remembered
his request, so dashed back into barracks to find the mess bar still open.

Thereafter, a brick was "hung" annually by Joe himself for some 45 years,
till his death in 1934, and a brickhanger's medal is housed in
the Museum of The Household Cavalry.

Each subsequent brickhanger has been, and still is, issued with a medal
- this includes a number of Commanding Officers - who have hung the brick
while the Regiment has been on active service. More recently,
the brick was hung at Hyde Park Barracks by Gold Stick.

Normally, the brick is hung each December by the oldest, living
ex-Regimental Corporal Major who has not taken a commission,
and this heralds the commencement of Christmas festivities
for the Regiment.

Christmas Day

Traditionally, on Christmas Day at Hyde Park Barracks, those forming
The Queen's Life Guard are the subjects of an extra - and earlier - parade,
in Fancy Dress, which provides some welcome entertainment for all.

However, duty inevitably calls and The Queen's Life Guard duly forms up,
to the usual high standard, and departs for Horse Guards to mount guard.

The Princess Elizabeth Cup

The Princess Elizabeth Cup, formerly known as the Richmond Cup
(competed for annually) is awarded to the Trooper judged to be
best turned out, in full state uniform, for which two Troopers
from each Troop compete.

Beating The Retreat

This is another crowd-pulling annual event, featuring the combined
Massed Bands of the Household Cavalry and the Guards Division, for which
the former perform mounted, making them quite unique in this activity.

State Emergencies

Whether it be a strike by firefighters, a security threat at Heathrow Airport,
or a serious outbreak of foot and mouth disease, the Armed Forces
are expected to step into the breach in support of the Civil Community.

The Household Cavalry (including its musicians) has a wealth of experience
of such emergencies, and they always rise to the occasion with commitment,
discipline, and professionalism.

State Funerals

Although a somewhat rare occurrence, a State Funeral
invariably has implications for the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment,
who may be called upon to play a full and active part in proceedings,
whether mounted or dismounted, at very short notice.

Unusual drills may be required, such as marching in Dismounted Review Order
with swords reversed.

Also, for the Lying in State, senior serving officers of the Household Cavalry
are, by historic precedent, first to mount vigil over the catafalque.

Officers are detailed by the Silver Stick in Waiting.

In April 2002, he was responsible for the training and briefing
of all Household Division officers taking part in HM Queen Elizabeth
The Queen Mother's Lying in State.

Other Activities

The Regiment supplies musicians for a range of functions
(State Trumpeters for fanfares, military bands, dance bands, and
smaller combinations), and throughout the year meets commitments such as
the provision of bearer parties, escorts, full-dress parades, appearances at
county fairs and horse shows, participation in show jumping, investitures,
military tattoos, parading on the occasion of the presentation of new Standards,
taking part in Remembrance Day parades, the provision of route liners
(as for the Garter Service in Windsor), playing a major role in state visits
and state funerals, and - when time allows - active participation in
many sporting activities.

It should not go unmentioned that all soldiers in the Mounted Regiment
move to the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment after 2 years, and often
return to the Mounted Regiment later in their careers as NCOs.

The Household Cavalry Regiment operates a very successful and accomplished Coach Troop.

Based at Combermere Barracks, in Windsor, the Troop comprises:

6 Carriages

6 Horses

Head Coachman

Second Coachman

3 Grooms

The Blues And Royals Regimental Coach

A Handsome And Disciplined Team