The organisers of the London International Horse Show have today announced that the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery will be bringing their showstopping Musical Drive to the International Arena for the 2023 Show.
Last seen at the London Show at Olympia 15 years ago in 2008, The Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery is a spectacular display which demonstrates all the talent and skill of these soldiers. Their unique ability lies in controlling teams of six horses pulling wheeled guns at high speed. Comprising 4 guns, 26 horses, 14 mounted soldiers and 16 dismounted soldiers, the Musical Drive showcases the military precision and manoeuvres used in the First World War to drive guns around the battlefield. Manoeuvres are fast paced and daring, particularly the “scissors” where gun teams cross one another at speed. Working as teams of three riders to each half-dozen horses, this high-speed drill ride is executed in exciting fashion, culminating in the firing of the 13-pound field guns at the crescendo of the act.
The heritage of the Troop is inextricably linked to the Royal Family. Formed in 1946 by King George VI, the monarch personally renamed the Regiment from ‘The Riding Troop’ to ‘The King’s Troop’ on 24 October 1947 following a highly successful inspection. The Troop are a core part of all state occasions and are responsible for firing the saluting guns. In addition to these duties, the 170 personnel and 120 military working horses making up the regiment take charge of the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards in London each summer, while the Household Cavalry take their summer recess.
The presence of the King’s Troop at the London International will round off a spectacular year for His Majesty The King’s Mounted Ceremonial Battery during which the regiment has formed a key part of the Coronation celebrations and been a lynchpin of the first King’s Birthday Parade in more than seven decades.
Captain Amy Cooper of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery said, “We are hugely pleased to be taking part in the London International Horse Show this year. The Show is a fantastic end to what has been a historic year for us, and we are so looking forward to performing the Musical Drive in front of the Show’s crowds.”
Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director, said “It’s with great pleasure that we welcome The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery to the London International Horse Show this year. After a such a fantastic year of fulfilling their commitments on the world stage, it’s a privilege to be able to bring such an exciting display up close in front of our audience.”
