The Household Cavalry Musical Ride

The Musical Ride has been a part of the public face of the Household Cavalry for many years. It first performed at The Royal Tournament in 1882. The format is based on a series of cavalry drill movements set to music, and has changed very little over the years.

The soldiers on the Musical Ride wear exactly the same uniforms as those worn by The Household Cavalry Regiment on parade, but lances take the place of swords. Four members of the Ride wear stable dress that dates from the 1820s, and which is considerably less constricting than the full ceremonial uniform (or cuirasses as they are known).

Unencumbered by heavy breast plates and plumed helmets, they are able to demonstrate traditional Household Cavalry skills. It takes them four months of practice to get their horses to lie down (and stay down)at their command - a demonstration that recalls the days when horses went to battle, and a rider trained his mount to lie down so that he could hide behind it.

The Musical Ride forms in March, to allow three months of hard training before public performances begin in May. Men and horses are picked from The Life Guards and The Blues And Royals Squadrons of The Household Cavalry Regiment based at Knightsbridge.

The men are chosen for their ability to ride well, and the horses selected for their temperament and athleticism. It is not unusual for a very young trooper to join the Ride even though he may only have ridden for a matter of months. The Musical Ride travels to shows all over Great Britain, and usually performs abroad at least once a year. In between performances, The Musical Ride return to London to take part in all State Occasions.

In a normal summer, this means Trooping Of The Colour (or The Queen's Birthday Parade, as it is officially titled), a State Visit for a visiting Head of State, and The Garter Service at Windsor Castle.