These are Drum Horses. It is a job, not a breed. These are Clydesdales. They are called drum horses because they carry the tympani in the two bands of the Household Cavalry of the British Army. They hold the rank of Major.
Unless a horse holds this rank in one of these two regiments and carries the tympani in one of the two bands, it is not a drum horse.
Our riding center always had a couple horses trained for drum horse for the military band.
I got to start one of those as a colt, a real sweet, very large one.
Others used to make fun on me on that huge horse cantering on the indoor, the walls were shaking.
Once trained, the reins attach to the stirrups.
The drums are very bulky and heavy, it takes a big horse.
Our trainer was the drummer in the band, probably why we had those horses in our stable.
I thought Drum horses had to be pinto spotted, either brown and white or black and white. Perhaps that is another Troop or the rules have changed with less draft sizes to choose from. They do have to be solid in training, responsive to the stirrup reins during parades! No hands because he is playing the drums. Drums are very heavy and large, making drummer look small! Nice picture.
There appears to be a registry for Drum horses, though they seem to be a combination of breeds, with Gypsy a large contrigutor.
My BO got into breeding Gypsys for a few years, when the big burst of interest started fading. There was a cross that was called a drum horse. The problem was that they weren’t very big. No way they could have carried a couple of timpani. Snare drums, perhaps, or some bongos. I’ve always suspected that some of the Gypsy breeders who talked about drum horses didn’t know what they do and how big they have to be.
Love the photo. My dad’s parents and most of their family emigrated from England and Wales. That may explain why I always tune in to pageantry that includes horses. And I inherited mom’s proper pans for Yorkshire pudding.
I love the idea of horses carrying bongos! I think it’s brilliant.
I had two custom saddles made by Patrick Saddlery. He made a drum saddle. I think he has pictures and some video on his website. He is a UK Master Saddler.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
