Who were the Horse Guards?
This cavalry unit was formed in 1650 and was the second-most senior regiment of the British Army. It served for over 300 years until 1969, when it was merged into The Blues and Royals.
Why do some Blues and Royals carry axes?
In the Blues and Royals, the farriers dress like their comrades in regimental uniform. The distinctive uniform and equipment of the farriers of the Life Guards — blue tunic, black plume and axe — is a historic reminder of the old British Army of the days of James Wolfe.
Why do some royal guards wear blue?
The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues, noting their tunics) descend from a Parliamentary Regiment of Horse, which Charles II re-raised when founding the Regular British Army in 1661. George III promoted The Blues to Household Cavalry status in 1813.
What breed are the Queen’s cavalry?
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has a long tradition with Irish horses especially the Calvary blacks. Today, 98% of the beautiful black horses in the Queen’s Household Cavalry are sourced in Ireland and are of Irish Draught stock.
What do the Royal Horse Guards do?
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, equipped with horses, consists of a Squadron of The Life Guards, and a Squadron of The Blues and Royals who provide ‘The Queen’s Life Guard’ and carry out ceremonial duties, including the provision of the Sovereign’s Escort for State and Royal occasions.
Can a woman join the Household Cavalry?
Yes, since the announcement by the Defence Secretary in July 2018 women have been allowed to serve in the Household Cavalry. The Regiment has taken the lead in integrating women into the Royal Armoured Corps.
Is the Household Cavalry elite?
The Household Cavalry Regiment is an elite cavalry unit, taking part in every major conflict since 1660.
Are all Household Cavalry horses black?
In total, there are 235 glossy blacks, 14 ice cool greys and four drum horses that make up the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. The Household Cavalry is part of the Household Division and is the Queen’s official bodyguard.
What breed of horse is used by the royal Guard?
Today there are two types of horse at the mews. The Windsor Grey has been bred by the royal family since the 19th century — most of the greys are Irish draughts, selected for their coat colour. The other breed is the Cleveland Bay.
How do you become a Queen’s Guard?
In order to join the Royal Guard, a trainee soldier has to pass the British Army Recruit Battery (BARB) test. The scores of the BARB test helps to categorise whether they join a combat role or one of the combat support groups.
Why do Horse Guards carry axes?
It belonged to the Royal Horse Guards. The spike on the axe was used to put severely injured horses out of their misery as humanely as possible. In order to account for all animals killed in action, the sharp axe blade was used to chop off the hoof of the deceased horse that was marked with the its regimental number.
What is the name of the Horse Guards?
Royal Horse Guards. The Royal Regiment of Horse Guards (The Blues) (RHG) was a cavalry regiment of the British Army, part of the Household Cavalry.
When did the Horse Guards become the Royal Horse Guards?
In 1750 the regiment became the Royal Horse Guards Blue and eventually, in 1877, the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) . The regiment served in the French Revolutionary Wars and in the Peninsular War. Two squadrons fought, with distinction, in the Household Brigade at the Battle of Waterloo.
Is the 1st Dragoons part of the Horse Guards?
During the Second World War the regiment was part of the Household Cavalry Composite Regiment. The Royal Horse Guards was amalgamated with the Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons) to form the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) in 1969.
Who was the colonel of the Horse Guards?
General Earl Ligonier, in the uniform of Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards, c.1754. During the Seven Years’ War, the Blues fought alongside Prince Ferdinand. The largest cavalry regiment, The Blues colonelcy was assumed by the Marquis of Granby. This great soldier understood the importance of morale.