Horseware Sponsor the BETA 2008 Horse Demonstration Arena Household Cavalry on parade at BETA International
Fraser Duffy steers Ballyboe Integrity to win the Horseware CNC* five and six-year-old championship
while Tom MacGuinness of Horseware, and host to the event, was on duty all day
The Household Cavalry is to appear at BETA International 2008.
The world famous mounted regiment - the British sovereign’s personal bodyguard since the 1600s - can be seen in the Horseware Horse Demonstration Arena during the three-day trade exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on 17-19 February.
A drum horse and mounted state trumpeter – central to the Household Cavalry’s role on ceremonial occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament and the Queen’s Birthday Parade – are set to enthral BETA International visitors.
There will also be elements of the regiment’s acclaimed musical ride including a lay-down horse and mounted dutyman in full ceremonial kit, complete with 12ft lance.
“Having worked with the Household Cavalry’s musical ride team before, I’m well aware of their entertainment factor and ability to captivate a crowd with their incredible horsemanship,” said Laura Cackett of Horseware Products, sponsor of BETA International’s demonstration arena.
“We are proud to be supporting BETA International with the Horseware Horse Demonstration Arena and delighted that the Household Cavalry is to be the main feature.”
The Household Cavalry comprises The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals and is one of the oldest regiments in the British Army. The regiment provides escorts for state visits and recently went to Paris for the Entente Cordiale centenary celebrations.
During BETA International, The Household Cavalry will appear twice daily with a backdrop of rousing music and expert commentary. The Horseware Horse Demonstration Arena offers excellent viewing with tiered seating and two open sides. Access is free to all visitors and exhibitors.
“We are honoured that the Household Cavalry, a regiment with more than 300 years of great British military history, is to appear at BETA International,” said Claire Thomas, commercial of BETA International organiser EMC.
“We always endeavour to inform and entertain our visitors, as well as providing a platform for business. And the opportunity to see the Household Cavalry, their horses and ceremonial equipment at close quarters is surely one not to be missed.”
The Household Cavalry’s drum horse will have a commanding presence at BETA International. Usually of Clydesdale or Shire breeding, these magnificent piebald or skewbald equines typically stand at least 17hh and weigh around 800kg. Considerable size and strength are essential to carry two silver drums at 56kg each.
A lay-down horse will also appear. Historically the Household Cavalry trained horses to lie down to enable its scouts to move fast into enemy territory and then ‘disappear’ into the undergrowth.
BETA International visitors will be treated to a fanfare from the state trumpeter too. Mounted on a Household Cavalry ‘Grey’, his traditional role was to communicate over the commotion of battle.
The mounted regiment employs a total of 240 Cavalry Black horses, 14 Greys and four drum horses. The majority of Blacks and Greys are sourced in Ireland, stand over 16.2hh and must have plenty of substance since the combined weight of a mounted dutyman in state kit plus horse furniture amounts to almost 20 stone.
A series of practical, product based sessions featuring live horses will also take place during a rolling programme in the Horseware Horse Demonstration Arena at BETA International.
BETA International 2008 takes place on 17-19 February at the NEC, Birmingham. Organiser EMC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BETA Group. For more details, contact Claire Thomas at BETA International on +44 1937 582111 or visit www.beta-int.com
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