Equestrian princess
The late King’s granddaughter has taken a hands-on approach to every step of the parade preparations
Late King’s granddaughter takes hands-on approach to today’s ceremony.
For almost three decades, the 29th Cavalry Battalion, King’s Guard, proudly served under the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Their mission on Sunday, however, will be even more special, not only because it will be the last tribute to the revered King as part of the royal procession, but also because of its leader.
“All the King’s Guards are always proud to have served the late King Rama IX,” said Thara Chalad, the commanding officer of the 29th Cavalry Battalion, King’s Guard, which was established in 1988. “Everybody served with the best of their heart. But this time, we are prouder as it is the first time a member of the royal family has joined in this unit’s important mission.”
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, who is adept at horse riding and has represented Thailand in equestrian competitions, normally works with the Royal Stable Unit, whose mission is to prepare horses for members of the royal family.
The main mission of the 29th Cavalry Battalion, King’s Guard, is performing guards of honour for monarchs, foreign dignitaries and other important visitors.
They have practised for more than three months to make sure everything is perfect when the cavalry transports the ashes of the princess’s late grandfather to Wat Rajabopit Sathit Maha Simaram and Wat Bowon Niwet.
“Her Royal Highness personally checks on everything, including the rehearsal and all 77 participants taking part in the procession,” Royal Stable Unit chief Vithai Laithomya said.
The princess begins by checking the health of the horses prior to their rehearsal performances.
“If a horseshoe did not fit, Her Royal Highness could hear when the horse walked, and she would tell the soldiers to fix it,” he said.
When she finished rehearsing with her horse, W-Calata, the princess removed the saddle and other equipment herself before washing the horse and checking its hoofs, Col Vithai said, adding she did not have to do it herself but she chose to.
“Her Royal Highness wants to set a good example for the soldiers,” he said.
Col Vithai’s statement was supported by a picture of the princess putting oil on the horse’s hoofs, circulated on her Facebook page.
The picture attracted many positive comments, as did other pictures showing her enjoying gentle moments with the horse.
W-Calata, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare from Germany, was chosen especially for this royal procession.
“Safety and grace are the top priorities. Holsteiner is a warm blood breed of horse. That means it has a calm temperament and responds well to a command,” Col Vithai said.
Out of 15 shortlisted, W-Calata and Charismo, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding, were selected. After some practice with the rest of the procession, it was clear W-Calata outperformed her peer.
W-Calata has adapted well to her new task, Col Vithai said. She was not spooked by the noise of the crowds or the gun salutes, and never showed a bad mood, he said.
HRH Princess Sirivannavari also extended her care to the soldiers taking part i n the procession.
As the leader, the princess constantly checked her position and that of the soldiers during the rehearsals, including how they carried their weapons — sword or lance. Her voice was strong and powerful. Outside of rehearsal times, she shared her knowledge of horse care and offered moral support.
With the leadership and horsemanship of HRH Princess Sirivannavari, the unit’s potential has leaped, Col Vithai said.
On Tuesday, members of the cavalry joining in the procession wore their full dress uniform and had the chance to take group photos with the princess.
She later led them in a merit-making ceremony dedicated to the late King, and afterwards sprinkled lustral water on all the soldiers and their horses.