HYDERABAD

Photo credits: Christine Dunnington

Hyderabad is a retired Military Working Horse (MWH) who joined us in April 2024 at the age of 22 after a 17 year career with the Household Division. He was held in such high esteem that he was granted a Ceremonial retirement in front of the entire regiment!

During Hyderabad’s career he was the Surgeon Colonel’s charger which is an incredibly prestigious role for a MWH. Due to his sweet and reliable personality he took part all the major parades carried out by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR).

He attended the Royal Weddings of William and Kate, and Harry and Meghan, the Diamond and Platinum Jubilee parades and the King’s Coronation. He was always a regular on Trooping the Colour, the State opening of Parliament as well as being on countless Queen’s and now King’s Life Guard. Hyderabad could go in any position on a parade including the band, which is certainly not a role for every horse for obvious reasons but thanks to his relaxed and incredibly kind nature, he took it all in his stride!

Hyderabad and his rider worked together for many years, developing a strong bond in the process. It is not always the case that MWH’s have one main rider because of the rotational nature of a soldier’s role, but Hyderabad’s standout attributes meant that he was entrusted with the highest levels of responsibility.

The decision was made to retire Hyderabad due to a history of multi-limb lameness corresponding with his age and length of service. It is safe to say that Hyderabad has dazzled us all since his retirement, not only due to his stunning looks which hold a likening to previous Horse Trust legend, Yeti, but because of his utterly adoring and gentle nature, too.

Hyderabad has joined nine of his former colleagues in our beautiful pastures and has settled in brilliantly, proving to be quite the leader in our fields as well. It is humbling to witness how his gentle personality brings harmony to the herd.