Horse Racing

Runaway cavalry horse will play a key role in King’s Trooping the Colour parade

Published

6 months ago

June 13, 2024

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Runaway cavalry horse will play a key role in King’s Trooping the Colour parade

A CAVALRY horse injured when it broke free from its rider and charged through London will take a leading role at the King’s Birthday Parade on Saturday.

Black steed Tennyson was one of five Household Cavalry horses from Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge which bolted after being spooked by builders during routine exercises in April.

The panicked dash through central London left horses bloodied and bruised, but Tennyson has made a remarkable recovery

The horses placed themselves in danger during the six-mile spookCredit: PA

The parade is a key day for both King Charles and the esteemed horsesCredit: Getty

He was treated for wounds sustained in the mad dash across the city, but was deemed fit to return to duty in May.

And just two months after his ordeal, Tennyson has been given a key role at Trooping the Colour – riding in the prestigious Sovereign’s Escort which leads the King down the Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade.

He will be ridden by Corporal of Horse Harvey, the Life Guards Squadron Equitation Instructor, in the rear rank of the second division.

His stablemates Trojan and Vanquish, who were also injured after throwing their riders, will be back in the public eye as part of The King’s Life Guard.

The two more seriously injured mounts, Vida and Quaker, continue to receive respite care.

Captain Charles Carr-Smith, of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said: “Military Working Horse Tennyson is the epitome of a Cavalry Black.

“Bold and brave as a war horse should be, yet a gentleman to ride and groom.

“Tennyson has returned to service without missing a step. His return has lifted the spirits of those in 1 Troop the Life Guards.

“Knowing that this brilliant horse will once again carry its rider carefully down the Mall or canter off, leaping over log piles in Melton Mowbray, is a comfort to our less experienced riders, who will undoubtedly scramble to put their names alongside his for daily exercise.

“Due to so many well-wishers sending in mints, it goes without saying that Tennyson has the freshest breath of any horse on parade!”

Harry and Meghan snubbed from Trooping the Colour

Three of the five injured riders have returned to duty, while the remaining two continue to recover.

Trooping the Colour – all you need to know

By Jimmy Grant

What is Trooping the Colour?

Trooping the Colour is an event that takes place every year, dating back to Charles II in the 17th century.

At the start of it, the monarch is greeted by a Royal salute and the National Anthem.

The parade then commences and concludes with a second Royal salute.

King Charles and other members of the Royal Family later gather on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past by the Royal Air Force.

The King traditionally has two birthdays: Charles’ actual birthday on November 14, as well as an official birthday marked every summer by the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Why is it called Trooping the Colour?

Historically, military personnel needed a way to be familiar with their unit in battle.

This was achieved by young officers marching in between ranks of troops formed up in lines with their colours held high.

The term ‘Trooping the Colours’ originated from this tradition.

When is Trooping the Colour and what time does it start?

This year the parade takes place on June 15, 2024.

The event kicks off at around 10am, with the Royal Air Force fly-by at roughly 1pm.

How can I watch Trooping the Colour?

If you have successfully a managed to get a ticket, you can watch the parade from the specially constructed stands.

But if you missed out, you can always brave the crowds and look for a spot on the Mall or edge of St James’ Park — but it is advisable to get there early.

The Trooping of the Colour will also be broadcast live across the BBC.