One of the Household Cavalry’s most recognisable four-legged stars has retired after 13 years of service, bringing an end to a career that saw him take part in some of the most significant royal occasions of recent years.
Ormonde, an 18-year-old black Irish Sports Horse, has become something of a social media sensation thanks to his mischievous personality and memorable appearances alongside the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards in London.
Now, after more than a decade of ceremonial duties, the 17-hand horse has arrived at The Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire, where he will enjoy a well-earned retirement.
Ormonde joined the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in 2013 and quickly became a familiar sight at the heart of Britain’s royal traditions.
During his distinguished career, he took part in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the State Opening of Parliament, Trooping the Colour and the Coronation of King Charles III.
He also served during the final years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, including the period surrounding her funeral in September 2022.
However, it was perhaps his rather less formal appearances that earned him the greatest affection from members of the public.
Followers of the King’s Life Guard and Ceremonial London social media accounts will likely recognise Ormonde for his rather distinctive way of dealing with tourists who ventured a little too close while posing for photographs.
His occasional attempts to remind visitors of the importance of keeping their distance made him an online favourite, with videos of his antics attracting audiences around the world.
Now, the days of standing guard outside Horse Guards are over, and Ormonde has swapped the crowds of central London for the quieter surroundings of his new home.
He arrived at The Horse Trust in September alongside several fellow Household Cavalry retirees and has already struck up a particularly close friendship with Quarterdeck, another former colleague from his ceremonial days.
Despite leaving his working life behind, Ormonde has apparently lost none of his inquisitive personality.
The charity’s Training Groom, Lotte, revealed that he is particularly fond of a good neck scratch and is often the first to approach when staff carry out their daily field checks.
Groom Kelly has also discovered that he likes to keep a close eye on what is happening around him, frequently investigating whenever somebody visits another horse.
His health checks and retirement assessments have now been completed, with the charity confirming that he is doing well.
Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have the legendary Ormonde retire to us!
“Famed for nibbling tourists who got a bit too close to him at Horse Guards, we are very happy to report that he has behaved beautifully since his arrival here!”
Ormonde’s retirement has already prompted an outpouring of affection from admirers around the world, with supporters delighted to hear that the much-loved horse is beginning a new chapter.
One supporter wrote: “Oh Ormonde… at last… no more annoying tourists!!”
Another added: “Have a lovely retirement Ormonde and friends. No nibbling the Horse Trust staff.”
Although he will not be part of the charity’s regular visitor experience, there may be occasional opportunities for supporters to catch a glimpse of him as a paddock star.
The Horse Trust, which was established in 1886, provides retirement and respite for horses who have served the country or protected communities, alongside specialist care for rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.
For Ormonde, the next chapter promises to be rather different from the pomp and pageantry of London.
After 13 years of standing guard at some of the most important occasions in royal history, he can now enjoy the simpler pleasures of retirement: good friends, plenty of attention and, of course, the occasional neck scratch.
