The Queens Drum Horse

Early Drum Horses, above and below, didn't have the feathering on their lower leg, that has become a distinctive "trademark" of the modern Drum horse. The modern Drum Horse has also been bred for the more familiar piebald or skewbald coat pattern.

To my mate John Cooper, who takes relish in correcting me, why is this horse wearing a shabrock(the "banner" behind the saddle) with the Queens Crown while the banners on the drums have the Kings Crown? Pretty ugly drum horse that year, also. Were the subjects being "tight" with their tithe that year, and this is the best the Monarchy could do? LOL








The term Drum Horse is used in Britain to describe the horses that carry a rider and 2 silver kettledrums during certain Ceremonies of State, processions or exhibitions. Throughout history, the preferred type of horse to perform this job has varied with the era and the regiment it performed with. The one common factor was that they had to be a large, strong horse with an even temperament. The size and strength were required because the combined weight of the drums and rider could easily exceed 300 pounds and an easy disposition because of the parade atmosphere they were often required to perform in. And to make things just a little more difficult, the rider’s hands had to be free to beat the drums, so the reins are attached to the rider’s stirrups.
Drum Horses have a long and colorful history in the British Military. Some of the earliest regiments documenting Drum Horses are the Royal Scots Greys (1678), the 6^th Dragoon Guards and the 3^rd Hussars (both 1685), the 5^th (Royal Irish) Lancers (1689) and the 10^th Royal Hussars and 9^th Queen’s Lancers (both 1715).
In recent times, many of the Drum Horses have been high colored Clydesdales or horses produced from the crossing of Shires with the older, larger bloodlines of Gypsy Cobs or with Dutch Warmbloods.