WITH the focus so often on equestrian sport and leisure, it can be easy to forget the workforce of horses carrying out important jobs behind the scenes across the UK - the more than 200 police horses patrolling our city streets, the 450-plus military horses that are so essential in the pomp and pageantry for which the UK is renowned, and the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) horses who enrich the lives of some 17,000 disabled children and adults. Here, we celebrate some of these working heroes who've had a stellar career.
Storm
Stats: 21-year-old, 17hh, Irish Draught, grey gelding
CV: served 15 years in the Royal Mews and retired to The Horse Trust in 2022
STORM spent 15 years as a state ceremonial carriage horse, pulling the carriage for Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family. His impressive CV includes many events at the height of pomp and pageantry - the Prince and Princess of Wales' wedding in 2011, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018, alongside many state visits, state openings of Parliament and parades at Royal Ascot.
Described as "strong, but soft and kind in nature and completely bombproof", he retired in 2022.
"Storm lives up to his name - I sometimes think he never got the memo from the Royal Mews that he is retired," says Steven Grice, equine care officer at The Horse Trust. "He loves to cavort around with the rest of the herd and even though he is one of the oldest members of his group, he definitely gets stuck right in if there is any mischief to be had."
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin November 09, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin November 09, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
