Latest news with #TheHorseTrust
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Adorable moment King's Guard horse leans into the frame as a blind tourist poses for photo - and is rewarded with a salute
A King's Guard horse and a blind man have melted hearts after they posed for a photo together. A visually impaired tourist, thought to be from the US, travelled to Horse Guards Parade in central London where he politely asked the King's Guard and his horse whether he could take a picture with them. When the soldier agreed, the man then thanked them both and asked: 'Can somebody help me please?' A woman then stepped in to take the sweet snap of him and the guards, as the traveller then slowly backed up towards the wall while taking off his dark-tinted glasses. The man asked: 'May I step on the white line, sir?' He then beamed as he posed with the pair - before the adorable horse warmly leaned towards the man to get into the frame. After thanking the woman who took the snap, the blind man saluted the soldier and his well-behaved partner. 'Thank you sir, thank you for your service,' he said, before placing his phone back into his pocket and carefully navigating himself out of the way. The globetrotter was then seen zooming into the image and holding the phone right up to his eyes, seemingly to review the picture. Cavalry Blacks, which are distinctive for their height and black hair, are typically used by the Life Guards, the Blues and Royals. According to The Horse Trust, this specific breed 'are known for their striking appearance and calm temperament'. The charity added: 'Their presence symbolises the elegance and discipline of the British cavalry.' The heartwarming clip was shared by @royalguards_england21 on TikTok and has since racked up over one million views. TikTok users shared their thoughts on the clip, with many commenting on how well-mannered the man was towards the guard and his horse. One wrote: 'God bless his soul,' while another penned: 'And that's how you respect the guards!!!' A third said: 'If only everyone was as well mannered as this [man], the world would be a much better place. Lovely to see.' A fourth commented: 'He can come back anytime. Saluting and thanking him. What a beautiful man.' A fifth added: 'Nice to see our soldiers being respected and not laughed at. Based outside Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace, the King's Guard is made up of highly-trained soldiers. The King's Life Guard are mounted soldiers based at the official main entrance to both St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace. Signs are placed around areas where the Guards are positioned, warning the public that the horses may bite or kick if they get too close. The soldiers are on duty 'at their post' for two hours and come to attention every 10 minutes. They are subject to strict rules including not being permitted to eat, sleep, smoke, sit, or lie down during their tour. Smiling is also strictly forbidden and they must maintain a stoic demeanour. Many guided walking tours involve a visit to the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace or St. James's Palace which typically happens once a day, usually at 10.45am and lasts for about 45 minutes.
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Hero cop enjoys retirement aged 20 after glittering career
One of the country's most iconic members of Police Scotland's Mounted Unit, Inverness spent 12 years with the force. Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HERO horse is enjoying retirement after quitting Police Scotland to enjoy his golden years. The Clydesdale, named Inverness, supported cops at some of the highest-profile events in the country - from the 2014 Commonwealth Games, COP26 in Glasgow, and The Open Golf Championship. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Inverness is loving retired life. 2 He settled into his new life very quickly. While he also provided a calm presence at countless Old Firm and Edinburgh derby matches as well as maintaining public order during historic moments, such as the 2016 Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park and the 2021 title celebrations in George Square following Rangers' Premiership victory. One of the country's most iconic members of Police Scotland's Mounted Unit, Inverness spent 12 years with the force. He's now enjoying a slower pace of life in the Chiltern Hills after retiring to The Horse Trust where he shares a home in Buckinghamshire with some familiar faces, including fellow Police Scotland retirees Kilsyth and Edinburgh, and is quickly becoming part of his new herd. The group also includes several Lancashire Police horses, City of London Police horse Scooby, and retired English Heritage historical reenactment cob, Bob – who Inverness has grown particularly fond of. Inverness was known for hating the rain and people always joked he was destined for sunny weather. And now he's already making the most of the warmer southern climate. He recently had a fresh clip to help him adjust to the unseasonably warm spring. Staff couldn't help but smile as he stood patiently and clearly enjoyed the extra attention from their team. Constable Claire Knowles, Instructor and Assessor with Police Scotland's Mounted Unit, reflected on his service: 'Inverness has had a full and varied career and has partnered with many riders. "As well as his front-line duties, he helped train new officers through Standard Equitation Courses – recruits will no doubt remember how he helped tone their core muscles. Watch terrified Jamie Carragher's hilarious reaction as he jumps out of skin live on Sky when POLICE HORSE walks past "He's affectionate and quirky – he'll be sorely missed, and we wish him the very best in retirement.' Steven Grice, Equine Care Officer at The Horse Trust, added: 'At 17.2hh, he's certainly the tallest member of the group, and the others are still getting used to his towering presence. "Sociable and curious, Inverness often strolls over during field checks and has even been lending a hoof to Groom Ed as he cleaned out the water trough. "We're thrilled to have him here and look forward to seeing how he continues to settle in over time.'
