Our Horses

Ebony finished training in 2004 and was one of the most versatile horses to be used within the regiment. Taking part in all state ceremonial occasions throughout her 17 years of service. Ebony was a strong musical ride horse being used in the full uniform as a leading file horse but also as a lay down trained horse for part of the performances. She was a keen jumper and had a moderate amount of success giving what was needed. In her latter years of service Ebony took a much more laid-back approach to her work and slowed down quite a lot being a strong Band horse and happy to get to complete her role.

(These words were written by the Household Cavalry)

Ebony joined The Stirling Trust in September 2022.

Nutmeg has served with a full heart whilst at HCMR. MWH Nutmeg has carried the union flag on Musical ride in front of her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II and was a beloved horse by all that rode her. It was with a heavy heart that this horse leaves the Life Guards, and is without question deserving of many years of peaceful retirement.

(These words were written by the Household Cavalry)

Nutmeg joined The Stirling Trust in June 2023.

Flanders aka Asbo Doris was cast out of the Household Cavalry in 2016. As we understand it, Doris was not always a happy horse and had a reputation for biting and kicking. Doris had been bought by a lovely lady in Nottingham from a dealer, and was not in best condition. Doris was brought back to good health. Due to her own health reasons Doris's new owner had to find her a new home and Doris came to The Stirling Trust. At first Doris was bad tempered, but over time she has become the sweetest, kindest horse in the herd.

Flanders joined The Stirling Trust in February 2021.

Megan was born in Kilcoolen, Ballyneety, Co. Limerick, Ireland in 2006 and joined the army on 2nd February 2012. Megan, a gentle giant, was a much loved member of The Household Cavalry taking part in many ceremonies including Trooping of the Colour. Unfortunately, after bouts of lameness, it was discovered that Megan had navicular disease in her right fore. Due to this it was decided to retire Megan, as she could no longer “pound the streets”.

(These words were written by the Household Cavalry)

Nijmegen joined The Stirling Trust in May 2020.

Monday's mum was called Sunday, and Monday was bred to be a polo pony, but unfortunately Monday grew too tall. Monday was also scared of the stick and ball, and would tend to run in the wrong direction. Monday was sold and schooled to be an event horse, but that really didn't work for Monday, as no one wanted him. No one except for me. Monday is a kind gentle soul, and he happily took me hacking around the fields at a slow steady pace, no pressure on either of us.

Monday is head of the herd, and Megan is his favorite mare. They spend all their time together.

Monday joined The Stirling Trust in May 2017.

In 2008, Darren was bought from a dealer as a six year old ISH, but was in fact only three, according to our vet. Darren, the horse with no name or passport, was bought as a potential event horse for my daughter Emily, and it is Emily that named him Darren. Darren loved showjumping and cross country. Dressage not so much. In February 2016 Darren and Emily were involved in a trailer accident. Darren was thrown from the trailer onto the M40 and had a large gaping wound on his back flank. Took the vet several hours to stitch up and then Darren was cross tied for approximately 16 weeks while his leg healed. At the same time Darren had also fractured his knee, which became arthritic and Darren had to retire from eventing. Darren lives happily in the herd and is lovingly known as “Darren the Dick”.

Darren joined The Stirling Trust in May 2008.

Breeze came to The Stirling Trust from another rescue in March 2017. Breeze was thin and full of lice, but with time and care he soon became the lovable Breeze he is today. Breeze is a real character and though he is tiny, he is thoroughly convinced that he is the biggest horse on the yard. Breeze is the go-to pony when a horse needs a companion, and he loves people, especially when they have his sugar free mints. This winter it was discovered that Breeze had EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) which caused bouts of laminitis. With careful monitoring of his food and grazing Breeze is back to his happy normal bouncy self and has started clicker training with Sue.

Breeze joined The Stirling Trust in March 2017.

Tank came to us when he retired from a long career in polo. Unfortunately, Tank's front suspensory ligaments were torn, so Tank was turned away for six months to live out with other horses to relax and recuperate. Tank then came back into work doing the occasional light hack. Tank proved to be and is one of the kindest, gentlest horses. Tank loves people and loves to be fussed. Tank lives with Queenie, who he keeps a watchful eye over. A true gentleman.

Queenie was bought in 2017. Queenie was a failed polo pony and extremely nervous and frightened of the world. Queenie lived with the herd and was bottom “in the pecking order”. Queenie went to live at Paley Street with Sue, Jimmy and their horse Jess, as Jess had recently lost her companion and needed a new one. The change in Queenie over the weeks was miraculous, and she became calmer and happier, and held her weight beautifully. Queenie found her people in Sue and Jimmy, and I will always be so grateful to them for the love and care they give to Queenie.

Tank and Queenie joined The Stirling Trust in 2017.