Don’t punish the horses for charging through London
This morning Londoners from St James’ to Limehouse have witnessed shocking scenes as the Household Cavalry’s majestic horses ran through the streets of central London, wounded and riderless. Among them was the immensely strong yet calm Irish Draught breed.
Undoubtedly questions will be asked of the Household Cavalry as to how this occurred, and about the necessary risk assessments put in place to mitigate against any harm to the animals and to the public when carrying out training. But what must be avoided is this isolated and rare incident being used as an argument for ending the use of working animals in the Armed Forces.
Indeed, within moments of the story breaking, social media was awash with the usual voices condemning the “barbaric” use of working animals, and how this is supposedly a “throwback to Empire that is now clearly outdated”.
In fact nothing could be further from the truth. Habitual cultural apologists on the Left might love nothing more than to see further erosion of the tradition and grandeur the British military is well known and respected for around the globe: but the Household Cavalry’s use of working horses plays an important part in state functions and ceremonies, not to mention the immense tourist boost it brings to the UK economy.
Formed from the esteemed Life Guards and Blues and Royals regiments of the British Army, the Household Cavalry represents the epitome of military tradition and honour, and a Household Cavalry horse is not your average horse. Carefully selected and trained, these equine allies embody the strength, grace, and discipline needed for their military duties.
Just as professional athletes are chosen to represent their country, so are these noble steeds. Apart from their physical attributes, these horses need to have an even temperament and trainability to perform their tasks.
As such they undergo rigorous training conducted by experienced grooms and handlers, ensuring their physical performance is up to speed, and their nutritional and veterinary needs are met to the highest standards – resulting in healthy and happy horses. So far from being a cause for animal rights concern, these are some of the best looked after horses in existence.
In an ever-growing war on our culture and heritage, we must resist the inevitable calls to end the centuries old tradition of working horses in the British Army.