Sad goodbye to Selle

At the grand old age of 28 years old we have had to say goodbye to a very big character.

Selle was an exceptional mare who had served as a charger in the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment for 15 years, after which she spent some years in retirement in Cornwall before arriving with us. Her owners could no longer care for her so in recognition of her special service the Household Cavalry Foundation supported her until we could bring her up to The Horse Trust.

Selle began her career as Life Guard 129 from 3 Troop the Life Guards taking part in major parades including the Golden Jubilee, State Openings of Parliament, Queens Birthday Parades and State Visits. She was popular as an Officer’s charger and was ridden on parade by the Gold Stick (the Colonel of the Life Guards) Field Marshall The Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank GCB LVO OBE who rode her on Trooping Of The Colour. Selle was named after the Battle of the Selle (October 17-26, 1918) which was a battle between Allied forces and the German army, fought during The Last Hundred Days of WW1. She had excellent stable manners and was a loyal and majestic mount. However, she did have a sense of humour and often buck in when going into canter to try and unseat unsuspecting young soldiers whilst they were on rider training. She was indeed a grand old lady who in retirement loved life outdoors and had decided that she’s spent enough time in her life in a stable! A wonderful character and an amazing career. Thank you for your service Selle, we will miss you, you really were one of a kind. Good night lovely lady, you’ve earned your rest.