Exclusive: Army eyes volunteer force for ceremonial roles like Trooping the Colour
Officials are drawing up plans to use a volunteer force made up of retired ceremonial soldiers to support state occasions like Trooping the Colour.
The move comes as the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment - the Armed Forces' busiest ceremonial unit - looks for ways to ease mounting pressure on its personnel.
Former members and those nearing retirement have already been approached to see if they would consider getting back in the saddle.
In an email seen by BFBS Forces News, Major M Thompson, second in command of the regiment, described efforts to build a Reserve capability as a "generational opportunity" that could "ensure our traditions endure in the years ahead".
Maj Thompson's email, sent to members of the Life Guards Association, also suggested the scheme would offer a "wonderful opportunity to re-engage with old friends, meet and establish new ones, and make use of the many excellent facilities and venues within Central London".
The plans are still at an early scoping phase, with officials hoping to gauge the appetite of ex-troopers. It is not yet clear whether volunteers would take part in public duties or support behind-the-scenes tasks such as mucking out the stables.
While some veterans have branded the proposals "terrible" and "bizarre", others have expressed support for bringing back the expertise of former soldiers.
Speaking anonymously, one former Lance Corporal of Horse said he welcomed the idea and understood the reasoning behind it.
"It's always been a hard job," he said.
"Long hours, not much downtime, obviously the horses need 24/7 care. So I think any additional help would always be welcome."
The former Life Guard, who served in both operational and ceremonial roles, added: "I think it would be a positive move in terms of lending a helping hand.
"But I also think it could cause some issues as differing generations may have a conflict of opinions on the way things are done.
"But on the whole I believe that any help to maintain the standards required would be a positive move."
Forces News has asked the Ministry of Defence for comment.
What kind of duties could the volunteers be asked to complete?
While most people associate the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment with its public-facing duties, like providing the King's Life Guard or taking part in major events such as Trooping the Colour, there are a host of behind-the-scenes roles that keep ceremonial life running.
Each day begins at 06:00, with troopers heading to the stables to carry out essential tasks such as mucking out the horses' living spaces.
Once the stables are ready, horses are matched with riders for exercise - usually around Hyde Park or the streets of West London - often just as the sun rises.
Other daily duties include grooming the horses and cleaning their kit in preparation for ceremonial appearances.
Specialist trades also play a key role within the regiment. These include farriers, saddlers and tailors.
Some troopers are assigned as stablemen or orderlies, responsible for maintaining the uniforms and equipment of more senior personnel.
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