Page 77 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

4 The Stables and Saddler

Our visit continued with a tour of the
stables, meeting members of the regiment
who were looking after the horses. It was
fascinating to see the huge operation that
goes on behind the scenes to ensure that
the horses are looked after and always at
their best. Next was a visit to the Saddlers,
where anything to do with the tack is
repaired, or even made.

Guard Dismount

At noon, the previous Queen’s Life
Guard returned from Horse Guards and
we watched the dismount ceremony.
6 Unfortunately, there was now light rain
and members of the Guard were unable to
replace their swords in the scabbards and
had to dismount their horse with sword in
hand, no easy feat.

Endnote

After a wonderfully hosted visit, we
thanked Simon Penrose for looking after
us so well and explaining the life
7 and work of the Household Cavalry
Mounted Regiment. What an
amazing place to live and work.

5
Riding School 4: The new Mounted Guard leave Hyde Park Barracks
for Horse Guards
5: The Battle-axe
Given the small width of
Hyde Park Barracks, there 6: The Previously Mounted Guard returning
is a Riding School. As we 7: In the Saddlers department
had morning coffee with 8: Richard Jones (second from left) at Trooping The Colour
the officers, we watched
as a horse was being trained; another
experience.

The Stores

After coffee we were taken to the Stores
and were shown a vast number of items
that were worn or used by the regiment on
Ceremonial Duties. Some items date back
hundreds of years, are of huge historical
importance and are irreplaceable. We were
told that the spike on the large Battle-
axe was used by the Farriers to put down
a dying horse; the axe was used to cut
off the hoof as evidence that the horse
had perished to prevent profiteering by
unscrupulous individuals.

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