THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY INVITES US BEHIND THE SCENES AS RIDERS AND MOUNTS GEAR UP FOR THE BIG DAY
INTERVIEW: SALLY MORGAN PHOTOS: PETER NIXON/ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW The Royal Windsor Horse Show runs from 11 to 14 May. Visit rwhs.co.uk.
T he pomp, pageantry and perfect synchrony of the military parade at King Charles’s coronation will be a magnificent sight to behold.
From the gleaming black chargers ridden by the Household Cavalry in their red and white plumed helmets, ceremonial tunics and gold braids, to the trumpeter-bearing noble greys and the stately drum horses, it will be a breathtaking spectacle watched by millions of royal fans around the world.
READY FOR ACTION
In the run-up to this historic occasion, extensive preparations are well under way and HELLO!
has been invited into the Household Cavalry’s Hyde Park Barracks for a glimpse behind the scenes as the horses and riders are put through their paces.
Joining us are Team GB 2024 Olympic hopefuls Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker, top British international showjumpers who are the first official ambassadors for the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which takes place the week after the coronation.
Proudly playing a key part in both events will be Britain’s most senior regiments, the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, who have served for more than four centuries as the monarch’s trusted guardians.
They are also famed worldwide for their impeccable showings at events including royal jubilees, the Queen’s state funeral and the Royal Windsor show.
Although the identities of who will feature in the coronation procession remain under wraps, we meet some of the military and equine stars gearing up for royal duty.
Trotting together in an indoor ring, a group of novices practises manoeuvres, while in an arena outside, experienced horses and riders gallop in choreographed unison, showing off their moves.
“It takes 14 to 16 weeks to learn to ride, with two hours of riding a day and at weekends,” says 26-year-old Captain Godwin of the Life Guards, who will be the first woman to lead the famous Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry at this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show.
“They then have to learn to ride with all the kit for state ceremonials,” she continues, referring to the soldiers in their heavily embellished military uniforms and shiny helmets, and the bridles, reins and protective chains that adorn the horses.
“Each year, when they reach this level of training, the horses pass out, just like the troopers, and that’s when they’re given their military name,” says the captain, who was in one of the detachments of th
