The Household Cavalry horses are off to enjoy a post-Jubilee holiday this week.
After a busy summer the regiment is to have a two-week break from public duty with a trip to Norfolk.
Since March the Household Cavalry has taken part in 10 parades and carried out around 30 full rehearsals through the streets of London.
The two-week break will include showjumping, hacking and the famous beach ride.
“On 5-6 July the Squadrons will visit Holkham Beach where the men will canter bareback into the surf. Dressed in swimming shorts and riding helmets, the beach ride is a far cry from the full state cuirasses, plumed helmet and jack boots that the soldiers are normally seen wearing,” said a spokesman for the regiment.
And on 14-15 July the public is invited to join them for an open weekend and meet the horses.
The open weekend will also feature the regiment’s famous Musical Ride and the Band of the Blues and Royals.
Captain Anton Wallis, a Life Guard Officer, said: “This year’s summer training at West Tofts is incredibly important. We have just had one of the busiest years in our 350-year history and the men and horses deserve a thoroughly well-earned break.
“The open weekend is a wonderful opportunity for the public to come and enjoy a relaxed environment with us. Most people only get to see us in full ceremonial dress on parade so it is a great for them to meet the men and horses behind the armour.”
Proceeds from the open weekend will go to the Household Cavalry Foundation which looks after the Regiment’s operational casualties, the families of those killed in action and the Regiment’s retired horses.
For more information go to the Regiment’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hcmr
