Boot and Saddle by JG GilberdKings Troop, RHA - Farriers and Horses
FarriersSix farriers are on strength, responsible for shoeing the horses, and work in a very modern farriers' shop. They are trained at the Army's School of Farriery which is run by the Army Veterinary Corps at Melton Mowbray. Farriers regularly attend upgrading courses and there is always one farrier at the Remount Depot at Larkhill. Troop farriers together with farriers from the Household Cavalry also shoe the 300 horses belonging the Metropolitan Police. HorsesOf the 120 or so on strength, 13 are Officers' chargers and the remainder are designated 'ride and drive' animals. Like the Household Cavalry the horses came from Ireland - the colours favoured by the Troop are light and dark bays, browns and blacks. Various-sized horses are required, 16 hands for chargers and lead horses, 15.3 hands for the centres, and the wheelers (nearest the limber) 15.2 hands. The training of remounts (replacements) is carried out at Larkhill, the home of the Royal School of Artillery. What a sight for the School staff, all going about their business of modern gunnery, to see Gun Teams from the past going by. Jim Gilberd, 1989 |
