Willawinsa drumrole
Shire horse Willa Rose has become the first mare signed up by the Household Cavalry to be trained as a drum horse. Mares are normally avoided due to temperament – a drum horse has to stay calm carrying drums while surrounded by a band marching in front of large crowds.
But trainers from the army’s Hyde Park HQ picked out eight-year-old Willa Rose when her gentle nature caught their eye.
Earlier this month she was taken from Dyfed Shire Horse Farm near Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, to begin her training in central London.
Dyfed Shire Horse owner Huw Murphy said: “Willa Rose is the first female shire to be taken by the Household Cavalry for this role.
“She is fully broken to ride and drive, and has been working on the farm since she was three. “She’s very willing, with a docile quiet nature.” Willa, who stands 18.2 hands, or just under 2m tall, follows her uncle, Celt, already at the Household Cavalry, while her father, JR, is now owned by the Sultan of Oman.
Huw added: “We know whatever the outcome, she’ll return to the farm at some point; be it retirement at the end of service, or if she’s deemed not suitable she’ll return to us for farm work.”