Some half one million individuals had been there to observe a vivid cavalcade of horses and riders make its approach by means of the streets of London as a part of the annual London New 12 months’s Day Parade.
Organised by Caroline Marsh, the All The Queen’s Horses factor of the annual procession goes robust many years after its inception, this yr that includes 30 horses, their riders and companions, in stunning fancy gown.
Members make their approach from the Ritz, taking in Trafalgar Sq. and Whitehall, and passing Downing Road, to complete in Parliament Sq..
“You possibly can’t describe it,” Caroline, who has been operating the equestrian factor of the parade for over 10 years, instructed H&H. “You see the newbies do it, and once they come again, they’re completely mesmerised.”
Image by Equipassion UK
Different contributors within the parade embrace marching, live performance and samba bands, choirs, dance teams, cheerleaders and carnival performers, to not point out dinosaurs.
“There are normally about 500,000 individuals on the route,” Caroline mentioned. “They’ll be 10 to fifteen deep, hanging out of home windows, it’s large.”
Anybody can apply to participate in All The Queen’s Horses, however there are strict standards on the horses that go as they have to be pleased with the large crowds, the noise and all of the stopping and beginning concerned. The group got here by its title as Caroline’s first time organising it was 2012, the yr of the London Olympics and the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and in honour of Her Majesty’s lifelong horsemanship.
One factor Caroline notably enjoys is seeing the response of Londoners who might by no means have seen horses so shut earlier than.
Image by Equipassion UK
“One little lady had by no means seen one,” she mentioned. “I say to all of the riders that so long as they’re cautious, individuals can stroke the horses and it means quite a bit to me that individuals who aren’t as privileged as us – we are able to take it as a right – can interact with them.
“I used to be having emails at 2am the subsequent day from individuals wanting to come back subsequent yr. Everybody who comes desires to do it once more.”
You may also be inquisitive about:
‘He can run spherical a discipline with a damaged pedal bone, however give him an abscess and he seems like
An equine encyclopedia-worth of horses featured on this yr’s New 12 months’s Day Parade in London final week (1 January) —
Credit score: Future
Horse & Hound journal, out each Thursday, is filled with all the newest information and stories, in addition to interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and coaching recommendation. Discover how one can get pleasure from the journal delivered to your door each week, plus choices to improve your subscription to entry our on-line service that brings you breaking information and stories in addition to different advantages.