Household Cavalry horses go on holiday
25 Jul 08
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has left London to undertake its annual period of Regimental Training, following a busy ceremonial season - including Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade.
The horses of the Life Guards Regiment canter in the surf along Holkham Beach
[Picture: Chris Radburn/PA Wire]
The visit to Norfolk is a welcome break for both the soldiers and their horses, especially the trip to the beach, where both rider and horses enjoy a dip!
The camp is based at Bodney, near Watton on the Stanford Training Area, near Thetford in Norfolk. Members of the Regiment will complete many of the military training requirements that cannot be carried out in London. These include range periods and exercises to hone individual's field craft skills.
It will also be a chance to improve on equestrian skills, with a number of disciplines practised over the period, including cross-country, show jumping and sword, lance and revolver. One of the highlights for the soldiers and the horses is the opportunity to take the horses into the surf on the north coast for a swim in the sea.
The horses of The Life Guards Regiment canter along Holkham Beach
[Picture: Chris Radburn/PA Wire]
Captain Delia Holdom said:
"It's a marvellous opportunity for horses and soldiers alike to develop a bond and their equine skills in a very different, challenging, exhilarating and fun environment.
"All involved thoroughly enjoy the experience and it's a good contrast to their rigorous ceremonial duties."
The Regiment will hold an Open Day at Bodney Camp on Sunday 27 July 2008 at which the public are welcome to attend. Events will include a show jumping competition, equestrian military skills such as tent pegging, a musical ride, and the Household Cavalry Mounted Display Team. The highlight of the day will be a professional jousting team re-enactment spectacle. In the past, the event has attracted around 5,000 spectators.