THE WAY THE DRUM HORSE IS TRAINED

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 270, 7 November 1908, Page 2

THE WAY THE DRUM HORSE IS TRAINED

The horse selected for the honour of carrying the big drum in the Army has to go through a special training before it is allowed to iill the olliec.' In the first place the drum-horse is usually piebald, but the particular colouring is not essential to the position; the animal may be pure white. At any rate, its appearance must be ccusistc.it with the showpiece it is in the band, and must carry the handsome ■trappings >u a dignified and graceful manner. Its nerves are severely tried by the booming of the enormous guns he 'is destined to hear, until in time, lie becomes as indill'crenf to the noise as do his brothers to tile singing oi bullet*. Ho is then ■taught to parade.. In tht parade bis rider has his hands full in the use of the. stick". .He controls the steed by means of the reins, which are fastened to the stirrup strap near the loot.

The fame of the drum-horse is oft-:n won on the field of battle. His duty classes him with the war-horse, and on similar lines lies his path to glory and renown. The horse that wins laurel" on the battle-fields, and carries himself with becoming dignity in the parades of peace, will sometimes find himself in the line of promotion, to the proud position of drum-horse in the regimental band.

I The best-known drum-horse in the British Army is Old Bob, who for.over twenty years has 'faithfully .served in the military hosts o'f the King. During Bervico in India ia 1897, he -received wounds which arc visible in the scars he bears to-day. Old Bob was severely cut in rushing upon the foe during a charge of hi-' regiment. When the Dragoons returned to England his service's were Iran-fcrred l ( , the I'rince "f Wales's Own Regiment, and to this command lie is at present attached, and can frequently be seen at Whitehall.