The Troop has 111 horses, nearly all of whom come from Ireland. The majority arrive as 5-year-olds and are backed at Melton Mowbray, Leics or at the Royal Artillery stables Larkhill. The horses are all broken in by Troop soldiers for 10 weeks and then trained at St John's Wood. Some of them have never had a bit in their mouths or a saddle on their backs when they arrive, so their training is always varied, interesting, and rewarding work. Part of the horses' military training includes their being taught to jump. Therefore, when they have satisfactorily taken their place on parade, those showing promise are further trained to take part in civilian jumping competitions.