Rest In Peace, Belize

We are truly heartbroken to announce the passing of former The Household Cavalry favourite, Belize at the age of 25.

Gentle giant, Belize served for an impressive 18 years with The Household Cavalry before retiring to us in June 2017. Throughout her working life she performed in many Ceremonial Parades, for both the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The Band of The Household Cavalry. These included Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday Parade, The Royal Wedding in 2011, Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant and State Visits of both the Chinese President and South Korean President. Our stunning mare also served time on duty at Horse Guards on The Queen’s Life Guard where she served as the Senior NCO’s Standard Horse. It’s fair to say our beautiful Belize had a glittering career!

Belize was a true Black Beauty and had the kindest, most loving temperament which made her a firm favourite with our grooms here at The Horse Trust. Upon arrival she was a little cautious of her new surroundings but quickly settled into retired life, and became close friends with field mates Arras, Zara and Burniston, the latter whom we lost sadly earlier this year.

Belize injured her hock a number of years ago but had been coping really well and seemed to be enjoying her retirement comfortably in the fields with her friends. This made it all the more devastating when recently, this past injury flared up again. Our gentle mare was clearly incredibly uncomfortable and despite the best efforts of our brilliant vet and equine care team, it was clear we would be unable to make her comfortable and take away her pain. It was at this point we had to make the heart-breaking decision to say a final farewell to our beautiful and much-loved mare.

We miss her so incredibly much and it just isn’t the same greeting her former herd when there is a Belize shaped hole missing. Belize, you were truly the most gentle, kind, polite and loving lady and we are all so truly heartbroken that we had to say goodbye. We are so honoured and grateful to have had the pleasure of looking after you the last four years and we know you will be galloping free over the rainbow bridge to former friends and colleagues. Rest In Peace, our beautiful Belize, you have been a joy to know, a joy to love and care for, and you will be forever missed by us all.