The Household Cavalry descended upon Bushy Park with twenty eight magnificent horses this morning to allow them to stretch their legs away from central London.

Four large horse boxes arrived at around 8am from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR), which is based at Knightsbridge Barracks.

The horses began their trail in the carpark on Cobbler's Walk and continued west around the park to the Diana Fountain.

One guard said: "It's a common misunderstanding that people think we can all ride before we begin our training.

"Lots of us have never ridden before we join."

But he said that many fall in love with the horses and end up tailoring their career to work with them.

HCMR is one of the two most senior regiments in the British Army and conducts public ceremonial duties in London and internationally.

Many of the soldiers riding out today were part of the Guard of Honour at HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral on April 17, lining the steps to St George's Chapel.

Most horses were black, a tradition for the regiment. Only small patches of white on the feet are allowed and when the horses are out in public these are painted with chalk so they look smart.

There were six white horses, which belong to the trumpeters.

Trumpeters historically had white horses so they could be easily seen as they led the troops into battle.

Another guard said that it is important for the horses to be able to leave the hustle and bustle of central London and stretch their legs, especially after intense training periods for events such as the Trooping of the Colour.

This year's Trooping of the Colour, which marks the official birthday of the Queen, will be a scaled-down event held at Windsor Castle.

The work of the regiment has been hugely affected by the pandemic. When lockdown began many of the horses were sent to Melton Mowbray, so guards could be sent to testing centres.

Find out more about the Household Cavalry HERE .

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