Merlin retires from Defence Animal Training Regiment

Merlin retires from an illustrious career

This 21-year-old grey gelding stands a whopping 17.2hh and retires after 15 years illustrious service with Defence Animal Training Regiment.

Merlin has taken part in many high-profile parades including the Queen’s Birthday Parade; State Visits; The Lord Mayor’s Show; The Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Parade and many State Openings of Parliament. Merlin was also a charger responsible for the mounting of Senior Household Division Officers on State Ceremonial Parades and Occasions.

He has been the number one charger at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, trained to walk upstairs, Centre Horse on the Queen’s Birthday Parade carrying the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting and his most notable role was that of the chosen charger of Major General Sir Edward Alexander Smyth-Osbourne, KCVO, CBE when he commanded the Household Division.

Maj Gen Sir Edward Smythe-Osbourne KCVO, CBE learned to ride on Merlin during his Post Operational Tour Leave prior to taking on the role of Major General Commanding Household Division from 2013 – 2016.