Celebrating the tenth Borders Festival of the Horse the cavalry way
The Household Cavalry came to Kelso on the Bank Holiday weekend as guests of BHS Borders to celebrate the tenth Border Festival of the Horse where three separate events were held enjoyed by more than 10,000 people.
Friday saw a “Behind the scenes” for BHS members, with groups learning about the history and uniforms of the regiments, the farriery and saddlery, training of the horses and the drum horse. With the fact of the day being that the drum horse when dressed carries the rank of major in the British army and therefore has to be saluted!
On Saturday the troopers rode down to the square in Kelso for a parade led by the Kelso laddie and his left and right hand men. They were greeted by the Provost, the Lord Lieutenant and the Leader of Scottish Borders Council and their drums and trumpets drew everyone on the historic cobbled square to attention. Then a guard of honour was formed for lucky local bride, Jane Vass as she married Peter Kelly. During a guard of honour the last soldier refuses to lift his lance until he has had a kiss from the lady!
On Sunday 6,000 people attended the beautiful setting ofFloorsCastleto see several displays in the morning followed by the full musical ride in the afternoon. The 34 minute performance featured intricate and thrilling moves including the lie down of horses, lance jumping and some near misses at speed in a Maltese cross. The ride culminated in a rousing cavalry charge followed by a patriotic and poignant salute. The finale featured four riders galloping with the Scottish Flag, the English Flag, the colours of the Duke of Roxburgh and the Union Flag, to huge cheers from a delighted crowd.
Festival organiserAnn Frasersaid: “It has been a magical weekend and a huge honour for the Borders and Kelso to host such a visit, this was the perfect way to celebrate the tenth Festival of the Horse. The BHS Borders committee are delighted, and the year we have spent planning this weekend has definitely been worth it.”
Riding Master of the Household Cavalry, Captain Anton S Lin commented: “The trip has been a great success from our point of view, with a successful performance and a very enjoyable journey for the men. Thank you from all of us for all the work you have done towards our invitation and our stay. The town ofKelsoitself was also hugely receptive and even the police were helpful! It has been a wonderful experience for us to ride through the town.”
For further press information and pictures, please contact: Helene Mauchlen, The British Horse Society, 01764 656334 or h.mauchlen@bhs.org.uk
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