The Royal Drum Horse in England: Character Traits.

The Cavalry Drum Horse is one of the most popular and recognizable members of the regiment. Although Drum Horses are usually piebald or skewbald in color it is not uncommon to see them in solid colors as well.

Drum Horses must be strong enough to carry the weight of the large kettledrums and the drummer, often in excess of 300 pounds. They must also remain calm and sensible in crowded environments during ceremonies. It takes a very special horse to fill such a prominent role in the Queen's Household Cavalry.

The Drum Horse is an important member of the Queen of England's Band of the Life Guards. These horses carry two large solid silver kettle Drums, plus a fully outfitted rider, through crowds of thousands, during the Queen’s processions.

The fact that the Drum Horse can remain quiet in large crowds of people while being controlled entirely by reins attached to their rider’s feet is a testament to the Drum Horse's extraordinary disposition. The Drum Horses that perform in the Queen's Cavalry have always been geldings, up until the recent addition of one mare.