Page 8 - Chiron Autumn/Winter 2023

AHPC Hungarian Horse Recce
by Lt Col Michael Robinson RAVC & CoH Andy Mancey (LG)
The decrease in demand for traditional Hunter types
has led to a change in the Equine Market in Ireland the traditional haunt for the Army Horse Purchasing Commission (AHPC) to find and procure the Horses required to support State Ceremonial and Public Duties (SCPD). Black horses are notably becoming more scarce and costly if found, and the increase in demand for the Irish Sports Horse, has seen an increase in warmblood horses from Northern Europe
been bred into the traditional Irish Draught Thoroughbred cross that has served the London District units and hunting community of England so well for many years.
So, a new market may be needed, many a narrative has been recorded over horses purchased in Holland and Belgium, notably too bouncy
or too excitable so where to find the stamp of horse required to maintain our equine capability. A chance meeting on a boat trip down the Thames with a conservation charity led me in discussion with another other husband along to support his wife. Conversation moves to the
‘so what do you do to fill the void between School and retirement?’ It turns out he was a very successful film producer and just returned from Hungary where they were the filming
‘The Last Kingdom’. I mentioned
my work and the privilege I have to be president of the AHPC. The Last Kingdom, I learnt used many horses and had scenes of Calvary charges and the breed of choice was the Hungarian Nonius and Gidran. I had the privilege to ride a friend’s Nonius when I was a younger and remember his athletic build, black coat, good nature, solid bone, and forward going action could this be an alternative to the traditional Irish Cav blacks that are becoming so elusive?
A year of emails with equine stunt coordinators, the grandly titled Minister of the Horse! and a visit
by an Officer of the newly reformed Hungarian Hussars to participate in the Major General London Districts Inspection of the Household Calvary Mounted Regiment led to the necessary contacts and discussions to allow an opportunity to find out.
So the AHPC consisting of Lt Col Mike Robinson RAVC and CoH Andy Mancey HCMR set of to Hungary to view the Hungarian horses and see if they were of the specifications laid down in my manual ‘Army Horse Purchasing Commission guidance for purchasing’ the User Requirement Document for Army Horses!
On arrival in Budapest, we
were met by our hosts Capt David Cresi who not only is a Capt in the Count Ferenc de Nádasdy Hussar Regiment but also Director of the. National Studs in the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture and 2nd Lt Levante Penzés also of the Hussars and taken to view the Hussars and their Lipizzaners and the Mounted Police unit at the Barracks in central Budapest.
On arrival at Count Ferenc de Nádasdy Hussar unit we were greeted by the Commanding Officer, After a trumpet call signifying
our arrival, we were guided to the indoor riding hall where members of the Hussar Regiment were riding Lipizzaner’s demonstrating their
skill in a ride situation; showing horsemanship, discipline and a high level of team cohesion under the watchful eye of the Riding Master (2nt Lt Levante Penzés Father)
who defied his senior age of 72. On completion of this display the riders broke away into free expression showing a variety of levels; some practicing basic paces, others showing very advanced movements such as piaffe, canter pirouette and tempi changes. After speaking to
the riders there was seemingly a great pathway designed to enable the education of both horse and rider which included lessons, weekly cross-country hacking, dressage and jumping competitions.
We then crossed the road to the mounted police to see the Nonius Horses we had travelled to see and were not disappointed. The mounted police use mainly Nonius and also the occasional Gidran Horse. They informed that the Nonius was placid and calm and the horse of choice for riot control scenarios. Any worry of temperament now diminished we had a good look at its stamp against the URD. Colour Black with very little white √, Sufficient bone √, Height 16,1 -17,1 Hands √ and the hardest of all horses to find potential as black chargers √. On trot up they all had a forward going non ‘bouncy” action
√. The purpose of the visit well on its way to achieving its aims! A walk round the stables further impressed on us the breeds relaxed nature and potential for a role in the British Army.
We were then hosted at Buda Castle where we toured the grounds and was educated of some of the deep and diverse history of the Hungary and the Austo-Hungarian Empire which till then we only had an embarrassing shallow knowledge. The Royal Palace or the Budapest Castle, is a historic castle complex situated on the Castle Hill, which overlooks the Danube River and offers panoramic views of the city.
6 / Chiron Calling