Page 175 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
Whilst practising the team were called to what they thought was another of Jim’s set-up scenarios, this time involving a cast horse in the lines. In reality, Tequila, a D sub horse, had managed to get herself well and truly wedged up against her stable wall ironically whilst the rescue training was underway! Jim and the VO, Capt Nicky Housby-Skeggs RAVC, sent one of the farriers, Bombardier (Bdr) French to task as IC of the team to ‘rescue’ her. Tequila was sedated to prevent her from panicking and struggling and, using the equipment, Jim aided Bdr French and the team to draw her away from the stable wall, so that she was able to get to her feet. She was slightly shaken, but fortunately had only sustained minor injuries – to add to the wound that the VO had stapled and dressed after Troop exercise that morning.
That training day provided guidance that could be implemented by the Troop and the VO on the spot.
The King’s Troop Today (June 2021)
The make-up of the Military Working Horses held by the KT RHA remains a tradition. At the time of writing, the numbers of horses may have changed over the years but there would have been no great change in the specifications regarding appropriate size, colour, strength, and stamina for the variety of roles to be performed as a ceremonial Troop.
The King’s Troop holds a herd of one hundred and eight fully trained Military Working Horses, plus a fluctuating number of remounts – the younger horses in various stages of training. At the time of writing (2021), there are ninety-six so-called “lines horses” who draw original First World War 13-pounder, quick firing field guns and limbers in up to six teams of three pairs each. Each gun carriage weighs approximately 1.5 tonnes, and three Mounted Gunners drive each team, riding post on the nearside horses. Other lines horses are used in “detachments” – ridden into action and then dismounted by the soldiers responsible for unhooking and firing the guns.
Lines horses are of traditional working stamp, each with no less than nine inches of bone. They enter Service at four to seven years of age, are worked hard six days a week, and typically retire at fifteen to eighteen years of age. All are trained to ride and to drive.
The Lines horses are further sub-divided into “Leaders” and “Wheelers”. As was touched on previously, the “Leaders” work at the fore of the team. They are 15.3 to 16 hands high, and tend to be of a finer galloping stamp, whereas the “Wheelers” work at the rear of the team and slow
or stop the gun by breeching. They are 15.1 to 15.3 hands high and are shorter-coupled with strong hindquarters and hocks.
The Troop is divided into six sub-sections, namely A to F, and there is a colour gradient from the bright bay horses of A Sub-Section to the black horses of F Sub-Section. The ‘Blacks’ draw the gun carriage on which the coffin is carried during State funerals. In addition to the Lines horses, there are twelve Officers’ chargers. They are good quality, typically, Irish Hunters, measuring no less than 17 hands high, and are selected for their manner and presence.
In addition to their ceremonial work, the Military Working Horses race, hunt and compete in show jumping, dressage, cross-country, and military skill-at-arms such as tent pegging.
The Veterinary Department
The King’s Troop’s Veterinary Department comprises a Veterinary Officer, ranked Captain to Major, and a Veterinary Technician, ranked Sergeant. Together they promote and protect the health, welfare, and operational effectiveness of the Military Working Horses through primary, emergency, and critical care, nutrition, dentistry, infectious disease prevention, rehabilitation, and the management of referrals.
They also advise the Chain of Command on matters of equine selection, training, employment, husbandry, and retirement, and also assist in the education and development of the Mounted Gunner cadre. They are closely supported in these roles by the team of military Farriers, Saddlers and Equitation Instructors, and by externally contracted paraprofessionals such as Nutritionists, Dentists and Physiotherapists. Following The Troop’s relocation in 2012 from its previous home in St John’s Wood Barracks in Marylebone to King George VI Lines in Woolwich, its Veterinary Department was re-accommodated in a modern, purpose-built treatment facility that includes a consulting, diagnostics and procedures room, pharmacy, dispensary and preparation room, laboratory, in-patient stabling, staff office and amenities. The Department is also well equipped with ultrasonography, digital radiography, and respiratory and gastrointestinal video endoscopy systems.
In 2020, The Troop’s Veterinary Department was the first in the Army to be accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon’s Practice Standards Scheme, testament to the exceptional standard of care afforded to The Troop’s Military Working Horses. The Veterinary Department remains
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