Household Cavalry - cruel

[Burnerbee]

If you rode your horse into your local High Street today, in 40 degree heat, put a 100 kilos on its back and left it there for an hour, I think you can be sure the locals would go nuts at you and take matters into their own hands. But if you’re the Household Cavalry, apparently it’s fine - it’s ‘tradition’ blahblahblah….

It’s ridiculous, it’s cruel and it’s completely unnecessary is what it is.

https://www.forces.net/animals/how-do-you-keep-hot-military-horse-safe-heatwave

(and they shouldn’t be making the soldiers do it either, obviously).

 

[shortstuff99]

From this post it seems as if some have left due to the heat?

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?st...BuJ95Q9rVRHAfmG4jCJ4qjdSKl&id=100038549030389

 

[Birker2020]

If you rode your horse into your local High Street today, in 40 degree heat, put a 100 kilos on its back and left it there for an hour, I think you can be sure the locals would go nuts at you and take matters into their own hands. But if you’re the Household Cavalry, apparently it’s fine - it’s ‘tradition’ blahblahblah….

It’s ridiculous, it’s cruel and it’s completely unnecessary is what it is.

https://www.forces.net/animals/how-do-you-keep-hot-military-horse-safe-heatwave

(and they shouldn’t be making the soldiers do it either, obviously).

Ridiculous isn't it? I know its tradition but like you say, it is completely unnecessary. Those poor horses.

 

[stangs]

From this post it seems as if some have left due to the heat?

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?st...BuJ95Q9rVRHAfmG4jCJ4qjdSKl&id=100038549030389

That's Ross Nye, one of the RS in Hyde Park, nothing to do with the Household Cavalry.

 

[Quigleyandme]

There is a photo of an Irish Guard on sentry duty at Buckingham Palace in a 32oz Melton uniform and a bearskin being “watered” by a compassionate policeman in most of the UK newspapers this morning. It is utterly ridiculous, inhumane and downright dangerous.

 

[paddy555]

There is a photo of an Irish Guard on sentry duty at Buckingham Palace in a 32oz Melton uniform and a bearskin being “watered” by a compassionate policeman in most of the UK newspapers this morning. It is utterly ridiculous, inhumane and downright dangerous.

agree. If anyone did attack he would be too exhausted to defend anyone, he must be very close to collapsing. Poor guards and poor horses.

 

[shortstuff99]

That's Ross Nye, one of the RS in Hyde Park, nothing to do with the Household Cavalry.

Ah well at least some horses left London.

 

[palo1]

I am sure the HC have a standard issue tropical uniform or alternative that could be made to look exceptionally smart for parade duties (with a bit of embellishment of course) and would be far better in summer weather generally! It would be a great design and tailoring challenge. Horses could be off duty or spend a minimum amount of time on guard. It really does seem daft having them on parade in full weight uniform etc even on an ordinary summers day tbh. As @paddy555 says, if anyone tried to attack the poor cavalrymen don't stand a chance in that clobber in this heat.

 

[Pebble101]

That's Ross Nye, one of the RS in Hyde Park, nothing to do with the Household Cavalry.

I went to one of those RS's once and couldn't believe the stabling. Glad they got to get away.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I mean the HC … those hats alone, the bearskins have got to be hot, never mind the metal ones conducting the heat!
Fair enough its a tradition but not in this heat, they should have a fan in their little bit they stand in, blowing down constantly! And the staff must have chaffing ???

 

[stangs]

I went to one of those RS's once and couldn't believe the stabling. Glad they got to get away.

Ross Nye regularly takes their horses on holiday for turnout and hacking in Surrey, and Hyde Park rotates horses so they can get turnout in N.London. Agreed that the stabling leaves a lot to be desired, but their moving the horses today wasn’t a one-off, and was very likely just the horses going on holiday as per.

 

[sakura]

I think the whole thing is outdated and unnecessary in 2022!

 

[millikins]

I would dispute the use of the word "cruel". The HC are still soldiers, if there was a war they'd be required to fight in potentially far hotter conditions wearing full kit and loaded with all their gear. The horses are fit and healthy and are not being asked for significant exertion as a racehorse or polo pony would be. Did any soldier or horse require medical or veterinary attention?

 

[sakura]

The HC are still soldiers, if there was a war they'd be required to fight in potentially far hotter conditions wearing full kit and loaded with all their gear.

They would - the horses wouldn't. I can't think of another country that routinely uses horses as a show of military. Police? Yes - but that's a whole other discussion.

 

[paddy555]

Did any soldier or horse require medical or veterinary attention?

no idea and I doubt we would be told if they did.
You cannot liken ceremonial duties to a war. Give then a light uniform for scorching days. I'm sure they could quickly scramble back into their artic gear if war breaks out during their shift.

OTOH war may break out in a hot country and they would be suitably dressed ready.

 

[scruffyponies]

They would - the horses wouldn't. I can't think of another country that routinely uses horses as a show of military. Police? Yes - but that's a whole other discussion.

I think you'd be surprised how recently they were used. Definitely 2001 gulf war, for example.
Most people don't realise that in WW2 the whole german supply train was unmechanised. They had tanks, yes, but the fuel was delivered on mules!

 

[sakura]

I think you'd be surprised how recently they were used. Definitely 2001 gulf war, for example.
Most people don't realise that in WW2 the whole german supply train was unmechanised. They had tanks, yes, but the fuel was delivered on mules!

2001 was over 20 years ago, WW2 longer still. If we, hypothetically, went to war with Russia tomorrow - it would not be with a cavalry which is why I don't understand why we still ask horses to stand outside royal buildings as a symbol - especially in 40c.

 

[millikins]

2001 was over 20 years ago, WW2 longer still. If we, hypothetically, went to war with Russia tomorrow - it would not be with a cavalry which is why I don't understand why we still ask horses to stand outside royal buildings as a symbol - especially in 40c.

Because they are prettier than armoured vehicles? And the Army and much of the country is quite keen on its history and traditions and don't want to live in a world of bland utilitarianism. No one so far has offered any evidence of actual harm caused to soldiers or equines.

 

[teapot]

They would - the horses wouldn't. I can't think of another country that routinely uses horses as a show of military. Police? Yes - but that's a whole other discussion.

Oh there are plenty - the French being the closest. The US Army still has a mule pack for use in situ too.

As for standing outside Horseguards, it’s about visibility - you see far more from a horse than you would on your own feet. There are practical reasons for mounted sentries.

They are on duty for two hours, get watered during that time and for most of the time would be out of direct sunlight too.

 

[sakura]

With respect, tradition is rarely a good justification. As for harm caused, as someone else pointed out, it's unlikely we would know.