For most of the year, the horses of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment are among the most recognisable sights in Britain, carrying out ceremonial duties in the heart of London against a backdrop of crowds, traffic and royal occasions.
But on Friday, 3 July, soldiers and horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment swapped the capital’s streets for the sands and surf of Hayling Island, enjoying a well-earned day of training by the sea after an exceptionally busy period of State duties.
The visit formed part of the regiment’s annual three-week Summer Camp, a long-standing tradition that allows both soldiers and horses to train away from their usual environment while developing skills that are essential for their demanding role.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, made up of troopers from The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals, provides the mounted troops seen on major royal and state occasions throughout the year. They are responsible for ceremonial duties including the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards and some of the nation’s most important public events.
PO Phot Belinda Alker UK MOD © Crown copyright 2026
The timing of the beach training was particularly fitting. In recent weeks, the regiment has been heavily involved in national ceremonial events, including welcoming world leaders to Windsor, protecting The King during the State Opening of Parliament and taking part in the spectacular King’s Birthday Parade, better known as Trooping the Colour.
For the horses, however, a trip to the beach is much more than a day out.
These military working horses spend their lives navigating the challenges of central London. They must remain calm amid sirens, traffic, cheering crowds, flashing cameras and the countless surprises that city life can throw at them. Training in new and unfamiliar environments helps build confidence, resilience and trust between horse and rider.
Hayling Island provided the perfect classroom.
The shifting sand, breaking waves, sea breeze, crying gulls and excited holidaymakers all presented fresh experiences for the animals to process. For some of the regiment’s youngest horses, it was their first ever encounter with the sea.
There were moments of hesitation as curious horses approached the water’s edge, but before long many were splashing confidently through the shallows, clearly enjoying the opportunity to cool off in the summer sunshine.
The beach rides have become a much-loved feature of Household Cavalry summer training over the years, offering a rare chance for the horses to relax and enjoy themselves while still learning valuable lessons. Previous summer camps have seen cavalry horses galloping along Britain’s coastline and paddling through the surf, providing some of the most striking images in military life. Troopers often describe the beach days as a highlight of the training calendar, and the horses appear to share the sentiment.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is home to around 250 horses and carries out ceremonial duties on behalf of the Crown throughout the year. Based at Hyde Park Barracks in London, the regiment combines centuries of tradition with modern military professionalism.
At Hayling Island, that proud tradition met the simple joy of a day at the seaside.
For the soldiers, it was an opportunity to strengthen the partnership that lies at the heart of mounted service. For the horses, it was a chance to experience something entirely different from the bustle of London.
And judging by the sight of cavalry horses splashing through the waves with ears pricked and tails swishing, it was a day thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.
Images: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
