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The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery

Joining the King's Troop

Soldiers joining the Troop can do so either to work with horses or to be employed as saddlers, farriers, tailors, storemen, vehicle drivers or orderlies, but everyone learns to ride.

Those who work with horses are given riding and horsemastership instruction and, according to their ability, are trained to ride on parade. They may become limber gunners who look after the guns or 'stablemen' responsible for the feeding of the horses. They all get a chance to ride out on exercise in the morning and each man is allotted his own horses to look after in the stables.

Although some knowledge of horses and riding is desirable before joining, this is not essential. The main requirements are the keenness to learn, a fondness for horses and the willingness to work the long hours that all animals require.

Army Jobs
King's Troop website

The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery is stationed at St John's wood. Its duties - as part of the Household Troops - include the firing of Royal Salutes in Hyde Park on Royal Anniversaries and State Occasions, and providing a gun carriage and team of black horses for State and Military funerals.

Soldiers are encouraged to take part in shows and competitions and every soldier who shows ability and keenness gets a chance to compete. At present over one third of The King's Troop horses take part in horse trials, hunter trials, mounted skill at arms and show jumping events in this country. The Troop has had many successes and it is a rare day when someone does not come away with a prize. 

Although established and founded to carry out primarily the state ceremonial and routine public duties such as Royal Salutes and Queens Lifeguard, The King's Troop is also required to be prepared for tasks in support of the Territorial Defence of the UK.

The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery - Musical DriveDuring the summer the Troop performs the Musical Drive at various agricultural shows and military tattoos up and down the country.

The Drive, which has also been performed abroad in Copenhagen, Milan, Montreal, Paris, Groningen and Berlin, is an exciting and spectacular display of horsemanship, carried out at the gallop, culminating in the dangerous scissor movement when teams cross in the centre of the arena with no visible gap between them.