Kathleen - Well said ! - we agree they are amazing creatures - they depend on us as much as we depend on them Best wishes to you Kathleen from all the team here x
Watch the household cavalry documentary what the horses and troops do is amazing they’re up until 4am tack cleaning most days! And they know their horses inside out
Looks like he got his tongue over his bit is all, my horse has done this before. Causes discomfort when pressure is applied on the reins. The tongue lolling is a clear indication.
"Is all"? It's awful. This poor horse has likely spent his work day with this discomfort. There's no reason one of the foot guards couldna been called upon to adjust the bridle.
Hello! I am from the UK and the bridle is actually placed correctly although it may not look like it. I have actually seen the bridle up close and the bit is safe for the horse. These horses sit around pretty much all day and so they will chomp and fiddle with the bit purley out of boredom just like normal riding horses/ponies would. Before any of these horses come out they do a full kit check with the horse to make sure all horses are comfortable and safe. I know it may look all messy and unsafe but believe me the bridle is safe.This is a normal bridle in all fairness and these horses are always treated with care and the most cared horses out there to be honest. All riders are friendly to when they aren't on guard duty and care deeply about their horses.
Absolutely,also ,they don't really enjoy being static for all that time with a heavy load in the middle of summer . They do in fact have a pretty luxurious life.
At last someone talking sense. I couldn't believe some of the ridiculous comments. These horses are trained and cared for to the highest standard and some people who know little try to impart what they think is knowledge or wisdom on something they know little about
@@vickyingramnymann8543 and then he put it back where it was supposed to be! He was just bored and fidgeting. I had a young horse that would do that - fidget when he had to stand and wait, I mean.
@@vickyingramnymann8543 that can happen as we have had horses do the same but later as you can see the horse places his tongue back to were uts suppose to be. Its perfectly normal sometimes.
I worked with these horses (yes I am British) for 14 years and now am retired to Florida. I can assure you this particular breed of horse often plays with its bit even if it was a hackamoor (sic). I put them out to graze after their morning feed and brought them in later in the evening. They are way above usual horse intelligence (I have owned a former Marine Corps Color Guard horse who was tremendously well trained) and are a sight to behold.
Janet Black it’s only “ normal “ for this breed to play with there bridle because it’s the breed of horse they use and the bridle they use is clearly making the horse uncomfortable.
Bridles are now being made that are better fitted to horses anatomy. Turns out there's a lot of nerves that run very close to the surface of the skin of horses faces and behind their ears. Many bridles put pressure on these areas and cause great discomfort to horses. It wouldn't surprise me if much of the "problem" with these particular horses is due to them being in pain from wearing ill fitting, decorative bridles.
Allow me to explain. Some horses are very busy in their mouths, they will sometimes stick their tongue over the bit. This can happen after correctly placing the bit in its mouth, so no human error. The only problem shown here is that this man and supervisor are not allowed to get off the horse and fix its materials while on duty. The good thing is that this doesn't necessarily hurt the horse, it is just uncomfortable. The reason why it is struggling is that it is trying to undo its tongue, which the horse actually manage to do before putting its tongue back over. This horse is not per se in pain, and more importantly, these horses get the best care. Trust me, they are not being abused or misused. This time the horse just misplaced its tongue happens to your own horses more than you think. we just tend to not always notice is, due to your horse being busy in the mouth on the regular or because after misplacing your horse doesn't start to fight the bit. Animal cruelty is not the right term here, the horse is bored and is playing with its bit, trying to grab the bridles (that is why he is moving its head so much) and pulling. the guard is ignoring this bratty behavior but does not allow the horse to pull the bridle out of his hand. Nothing went wrong here, just two bored horses
If the bit was the correct size and the bridle was fitted correctly, the horse would not be able to get his tongue over the bit. "Bratty behaviour" ?! The horse is in pain/discomfort . . . how can you call his behaviour 'bratty'? When we believe pageantry is more important than an animal's comfort we are in big trouble. Once we forget that animals should be allowed to live without human expectation, we are all diminished.
Yep. Horse seemed more bored than anything else. Usual,y if a horse is uncomfortable with their bit or bridle, they'll throw or toss their head to try to get relief. Some bits are even designed with rollers to encourage the horse move his tongue around and play with the bit. It's supposed to keep their mouths softer.
Finally a comment with some knowledge behind it. These animal are very well looked after with their own vets and farriers on standby 24hrs a day. As for people saying that animal should not be used like this. Well if these animal were not used they would be killed. Horses would not be bred and the only time you would see one would be in a zoo.
My family has bought horses that were in line to be sent for slaughter. Some were the fault of people buying a horse that they do not know how to handle. From saddling to just being scared to get close enough to check for problems. If the bits were the wrong size, and that bit gets over the tongue or under the tongue, the tongue can be injured. We bought a cutting horse that had his tongue nearly severed. I know the kings guard have their hands full but if you have a horse with a sore in their mouth , or they are being rushed or whatever. Horses don’t like loud noises and sudden movements, or pain. There was a horse that was killed by decapitation recently. These beauties may not have had all the training they need, unlike the horses in WWII, to standup to the stresses of tourism. It is not in most horses nature. But thank heavens to the people that love these horses and may always ask about their treatment. My thoughts are always with horses and the keepers and guards. These military staff are the best. But you know, accidents happen. The tourist should be told not to touch the horses bridle, but or tie down. And do not feed. The sign that warns that the horse may bite is not a command ,it is just a suggestion.
There are many horses and ponies who play with their bits, sticking their tongues out whilst doing so, this is not unusual and not down to the bridle being put on incorrectly. Those of you who have been around horses and ponies for a length of time know this, those of you who haven't should educate yourselves before commenting or jumping on the negative bandwagon!
That may be correct, but it should hardly be usual or exaggerated behavior since it reflects fretfulness (likely due to boredom). I'm very surprised a horse with this tendency is selected for this particular detail. I had a wonderful dressage horse who would smack his lips during competition (show nerves), which behavior can be penalized in the US - even at training level. There are various roller bits that can help a horse self soothe and minimize the behavior.
I don't normally respond to these posts but..... The Guards only ride geldings. the mount is allocated to the trooper, not his choice. the kit is prescribed, and is often antique, but from a time when the comfort of the mount was very secondary to control. the curb bit is known as an '''elephant bit'' as they recon that it would stop anything including an elephant!! Too much, over use and Neddy is likely to go up and probbly over backwards. The troopers kit like his mounts is antique, uncomfortable and really tricky to ride in. Horse and trooper polished to the ''nines'' checked double checked and checked over again before leaving stables. The troopers compete for perfection. It all fits properly. However, this horse has got bored standing around and wondered what would happen if he pulls his tongue over his bit. .....oops! cant get it back!... 'Oy boss can you get off and fix it please.' Sorry Neddy cant! we're on parade. Stop fidgeting! we're nearly done.Just bloody stand still!! here comes the Sarge''....The apparent Horse abuse at the end is the order ''Make much of your horse'' Remember it is the army, even in fancy dress.
+Martha Brown It's part of their training. It let's the horse know what's coming next, so they are not surprised and get skittish. I agree on the bit. It was so distracting! I wanted to reach through the screen and adjust the poor thing's bit. Obviously bothering him quite a bit.
have to smile at the comments on the horses discomfort and the task carried out :) i doubt many horses in the world are cared for as well as these horses. as for the task required. please
Why is everyone saying they hit the horses? 5:26 was nothing more than a uniformed pat. It's called drill, and with the rank they are, what they're doing, VERY.STRICT. drill. They're not ALLOWED to move in any other way while on parade, and mistakes, depending on the severity, can very easily cost you a job (repeat, again, especially at the rank these men are at). The horses would've received genuine praise and thanks once they got off the parade square (and out of the public eye), as well as have the issue with the bit examined. These horses are all ridiculously well cared for and get insanely good treatment, likely while under world class level training. They probably live like kings.
The horses do wear a double bit, one is the state horse bit, and the other is a snaffle bit. Both have reins attached but the riders don't haul on the reins because the horses could do the ceremony without the rider. The horse will not bolt either unless something is wrong. They are the finest Irish Blacks that can be supplied to the Household Cavalry. Training is twofold, mainly the horse has to want it. The Corporals of Horse can usually get an untrained horse fresh from the field and have a saddle and rider on him in a week. Nothing is forced.
what i am astonished at is how people are blaming the rider for what happened. horses have been known to get the bit all on their own, even with a properly fitting bridle. do not blame the poor guardsman
Most people in the comments either don't have/ride horses, or they don't realize that their own horse might have this happen to them more than they even know. Besides they always start to make up pain and struggles. Normally when you notice this you fix it cause you can and it is better. But this guardsman is not allowed to, yet it doesn't really harm the animal. People can be so quick to judge, yet don't know what they are talking about.
@@emilymelis6611 They are being dismissed and going in immediately to the stables where they will be well taken care of. Note - the horses are always seen to before the Soldiers are allowed off duty. Too many people think they are experts!
That horse has got its tongue over its bit it isn't abuse some horses will put their tongue over the bit themselves, I had a horse that use to do that all the time, there's not a lot you can do to stop them. This guy's only sitting on the horse, kicking, beating, whipping or starving to death is what I would call abuse and there are hundreds if not thousands of horses being abused like that every day.
Maybe the bit is to low, no way of knowing unless you could get up close, if so that's something that should have been checked by the rider when tacking up.
If yall notice the second he was ordered down he fixed it...military protocall held them both in position . The soldier and the horse did outstanding is a testamite to both of their training!
This is nothing to do with badly fitting tack, or the bridle being on wrong. Some horses, play with the ‘bit’ in their mouths. It can be common in young horses adjusting to the tack, it’s common in horses when they are just standing around, and can also be seen in horses that are over excited. My horse would get very fed up if we were waiting around and pull some lovely faces and chew on his bit like it was gum. These horses are probably amongst the best cared for in the country. There’s absolutely no mistreatment or mismanagement in this clip at all.
It’s not a sore mouth he’s just bored some horses play with the bit or chew on it, my pony did that when she stood still for to long so this horse is more than likely bored and just looking for something to do, he needs a bit with a roller so he can run his tongue over it and play with it (which yes they do make those) and if the horse was in pain they’d make a bigger fit and the rider would know through the feeling in the reins and body feel since they’d tense up which this one didn’t look tense at all *if you don’t know an animal stop saying they’re always in pain*
it actually looks to me as if this horse has gotten his tongue over the bit, not just boredom but boredom with a brain behind it haha. I imagine if this was his norm they probably eventually switched him to a spade or a spoon bit to discourage it.
at 2:42 when the other horse yawns you can actually tell the difference in the 'height' of where their tongues lay a big indicator that the fidgety horse has gotten his tongue over at least one of the double bridles bits.
The horse's tongue is over the bit which is why he's acting up so badly. I'm not sure how I don't see more comments about this and clearly someone should have handled it, but this horse is handling himself EXTREMELY well, considering.
I grew up with horses, and have owned, trained and competed them in eventing, dressage and show jumping for more years than I can remember. I have had the privilege of training with some of the most successful and talented equestrian competitors in the US and the UK, including a number of Olympians and Medalists. You simply cannot say from this video, or any really, that the horse's tongue is over the bit. You would need to inspect his mouth to determine that. The behavior is indicative of several different causes, most normal and only a few problematic. From what little you can see from a video alone and the beautiful condition of these horses, I would bet on normal.
Just what I was about to post. There is a problem or the horse would not be licking like that. Were I his CO I would snatch his ass off that horse and strap the bit way too tight on him.
Deaghlan Finn-kelly The state ceremonial bridle is quite a bit heavier than the ordinary work bridles these horses wear for exercise, & the curb bit on state bridle has a high port in middle of mouthpiece, so is quite severe. reason being that troopers mostly riding one handed due to sword, & those white gauntlets are really stiff to wear, so not easy handling the reins.
Clearly the bit accidently went under the poor horse tongue, and the guard cannot do anything as he is not allowed to move and stay in position. So I wouldn't say it's a big problem, but they do need to double check before they go out.
Megan needs a bit like this!!! That would make her shut up. Megan doing tongue over the bit 😅 and rider pulling on the reins to make her move her tongue and behave😂🤣
Its annoying that some people are like 'the bit is too tight' 'thats abuse, bits are abuse!!!' No. To simply put it, the bit was put on wrong, the horse's tongue went over the bit instead of under it. Its a mistake that is surprisingly easy to make however it is a mistake that should be spotted way before the horse begins work,
The near horse's bridle wasn't adjusted properly, and the horse was able to get his tongue over the bit. You could see the rider was as distressed by that as the horse was.
I’m pretty sure the horses tongue is over bit and in any other situation you’d get off and fix it, in a situation like this the welfare of the horse should be put first rather than standing still and looking pretty
Some bits come with rollers for nervous horses. It gives them something to do. They are not painful or distressing. I think he was just fiddling with the rollers on his bit.
Right I see a lot of you civvys on here acting like you know what our horses are treat like but what you don’t seem to understand is that we have the bit for a reason and not purely because of tradition our horses get some of the best treatment I have ever seen and from my perspective are only told off when necessary
There seem to be three types of comments here: People who have been around actual horses long enough to see a horse fiddle with a bit, lesson riders who are RaleighLink fanatics and think all bits are abuse, and people who've basically only pet a horse one or twice in their lives.
No you guys, these horses do this all the time so they get bored. Everyone who has had a spoiled, bratty horse (trust me these are spoiled as hell hahaha) knows that they will eventually start to play with their bit to distract themselves. this often leads to them, voluntarily placing their tongue over the bit, yes which is more uncomfortable than under the bit, but remember THEY DO IT THEMSELVES. the horse is also biting down on it and pulling the bridle, the rider knows it is bratty behavior and therefore ignores it. It is just a video of a bratty horse entertaining itself. It worries me how many of these comments claim to own horses and not know the basic behavior of horses.
They are going inside, so they are clearly attempting to resolve the problem. The horse is just playing with the bit. The other horse is yawning. They provide security the rider can’t simply jump off whilst on guard and sort his horse out until the new guard is in place. If there was something wrong with how this horse was bridled then it would have been picked up on the very detailed pre-inspection inspection and the public inspection when they took over guard. There isn’t a problem. Learn about what your talking about before criticising something you know nothing of.
Guys this isn't abuse, it's clear the horse was either nervous or just dancy. If he didn't like it I'm sure the rider would be on the ground and not on his back. He's bored that's why he's playing around with his tongue. No harm done. Some of yall get offended so easily but royal guard horses are treated like kings in most countries. And that wasn't a slap as they dismounted it was just a hard pat. Again if the horses didn't like it they wouldn't have been so calm. The one horse was just bored out of his mind and probably wanted to go back to the barn and work. Because if you children don't know HORSES DO LIKE TO WORK, WALK, TROT, CANTER. you know what else. Dramatic gasp! they even PLAY! yes even these top notch royal guard horses get time to be a horse. My point stands if either of those horses didn't like what was going on they would have throw the riders or made a bigger fuss. They were bored. What happens when you put a 4 year old in a shopping cart for an hour while you shop and there isn't anything for them to do? THEY ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT THE HORSES WERE DOING GUYS OPEN YOUR EYES IT'S NOT ABUSE. ABUSE IS HURTING THE HORSE. PUTTING THEM IN PAIN, MAKING THEM DO UNLIKE HORSE THINGS AND STARVING THEM. these horses probably live better then some people in the US. Get your facts children and learn what real abuse is
Lorelai K Were you actually watching the video? Don’t think you were. That horse closest to the camera pulled its head down because it was trying to relieve the pain in its face. The dude was pulling on its mouth so hard it licked its lips which is what any human would do when the sides of their mouth are being tugged at and it hurts. There was a ton of spit like foam around the horses mouth showing it was in pain or that spit wouldn’t have been there. That’s not a normal movement for horses, nodding their head and licking the sides of their mouth. YOU need to open YOUR EYES to the hurt this horse is feeling. Not everyone in the royal guard is like “Er mah gerd iz me horse and I lovvvvvvve it so muuuch!!” He was tugging the horses fucking face off for Christ’s sake.
Relax……the horse was not being abused. Yes he was uncomfortable and that was unfortunate but I’d like to come back as one of the palace horses any day. And yes I am a horse owner, I have a few.
The bit is too loose, which is why the horse keeps playing with it. You see how it keeps sticking it's tongue out like that? It shouldn't be able to do that. Plus, it doesn't want to be working. My horses did this after long periods of inactivity, say a week or so of laziness.
JC Caelan many of the Queen horses start at a young age this horse has his tounge over the bit and is slightly in stress as you can tell he is mainly about 3-7 years of age I'm a horse person my self and own 6 ottb and a yard
What are you folks nattering on about? Yeah, probably the curb bit should be one notch shorter, but horses do this fairly often, when they are bored. No drama or giant failing here.
The horses in the royal guard are some of the best cared for horses in the world. The spurs are not being used, a martingale does nothing but help a horse collect(Which is more comfortable for them with a rider on their back! A hollow back means injury for a horse in the long run) the double bits don't affect the horse at all unless the reins are being yanked on hard. Double bits don't inherently harm the horse unless used improperly. Simply wearing one doesn't hurt the horse. What you're seeing is a bored horse who felt like moving around today, and as a result, he's playing with the bits and pawing. We all get a little restless sometimes. I get restless at my desk and I stretch and roll my shoulders or move around. Does that mean that my job is harming me? For everyone saying the bit is abusive or too harsh- do you actually know what that bit is? It looks like a snaffle to me, with a second snaffle with a fancy looking shank on it (Which, for you non riders, is lingo for the side bar where the rein connects lower than the level of the bit) which does very little to change the severity of the bit. When riders use two bits, they're often a very mild bit, and one is used to control the speed/direction of the horse, the other has a shank on it to allow them to provide gentle pressure in a different way to encourage collection. It's possible the horse managed to get his tongue over top of the bit, that happens from time to time. Horses are tricky creatures and they get themselves into trouble, but it's not going to hurt him. He'll be annoyed for the demonstration, but I bet you as soon as it's is over, that rider is checking on that horse to make sure that he's okay and the bit is properly seated.
Add fact he having fab time chewing popping his tounge over the bit. Look at those ears too he is just a big bored baby. U ask any child stand still for a short while result fidget. Not at all hurt. Plus give it an hour he be fed bathed n out on grass n being spoilt..
AtotheMe FINALLY!!! Someone who actually an adult!!! And isn't crying about how abusive a bit is. Horse equipment isn't abusive, people are abusive. The most severe bit could be used in a very subtle way: the gentlest rubber snaffle, could cause blisters in your horse's mouth. It's all in the hands of the rider, and how much pressure HE/SHE puts on it. Not the bit itself. A BOSAL could dig into their face if you pull on it hard enough. ANY tool can be abusive if in the wrong hands.
Teresa Wort Ah, a Pelham! That makes sense. I haven't used a Pelham and only seen it used a handful of times. I did lower level dressage and hunter pleasure, now hunter jumper, so I haven't had much use for one!
I had a horse that could get his bit sideways, once had to get the vet out because it got stuck. And if had been fitted by an expert, finally had to ride him with a halter, which was dicey!
This horse was not in pain, it was simply bored. He's playing with his tonque because he had the room to do so, what is a great sign for being perfectly bridled. He stopped playing if something was of interest to him and he rested his hind leg, so he felt perfectly comfortable. @julie pope: It's not a special breed, the Horse Guard is buying black horses from all over the country and continental Europe with the right abilities and spirit for the service.
You do understand how to respond to someone on social media... don't you? Putting an @ IN YOUR comment isn't the right way. She won't see it, or get notified.
Geldings and their tongues! Lolol. I have seen some real clowns in my day. We used to say it’s a gelding thing. No pain here just bored and playing around.
That rider handled the situation exactly the same way that any good english rider would...subtle tugging to keep the horse's attention and nudging him back whenever he steps out of line. Perfect handling. Feisty horse.
this is the 5th video I've seen about the guards with a horse agitated about the bit. I'm not saying they don't care about the horses, but it is bothered by the bit
So the fact that the one horse is dead happy and calm, and the other fidgets, doesn't make you wonder if maybe it is just a fidgety horse rather than cruelty to animals? My horse wouldn't stand, and he would have his tongue over in a second, because that is who he is. Seriously, I would like to see most of us good enough to be in the Royal Guard
Horses are different. No 2 are the same. There is no cruelty here, people that do not get horses, do not understand, no experience, look and make a decision based on what they see in a video. Full stop. They have no idea what went on before, or after, For example, bits. They are used as a way of control through pressure, not pain. They tell the horse which way to go. They DO NOT hurt them in any way.
I used to ride on one, and i was stepped on by one, on my left big toe when I was attempting to lead the horse back to the stable. The toe nail at first turned green, and then, it turned grey before it fell off as the new toenail that grew to replace the one. i was wearing the boot, but unfortunately, it wasn't steel toed, even though the horse that stepped on it didn't actually break my big toe. My lesson....is to be extremely careful while walking the horse since the horse is heavier than you.
hawaii sparkle that’s what I thought too. Another 1/2 to 1 inch up and it’d stop the horse from getting his tongue over the bit. He wasn’t unhappy with the bit, just bored hence playing with it.
Good heavens. With all these negative comments I expected the horse to actually do something besides chew on its bit. Sheesh! As for the rider, he did just fine. He kept a soft contact and did half halts to keep its attention on him. I’ve done that with my horses a million times, it’s simply a soft reminder to the horse to listen up. Works like a charm and does NOT hurt the horse in any way. If you want to get excited about real horse abuse, you might focus on the horse meat industry in both Europe and the U.S. Or the recent Chinese fad for weird shit made from boiled donkey skins, resulting in all sorts of horrible abuse and inhumane slaughter of millions of donkeys.
the young horse on the end may have the wrong size bit...the horse seems very uncomfortable with how it's placed in it's mouth...and just wants the thing OUT! Wouldn't YOU?? Such stupid people.
damkayaker I was wondering the same thing. I think there was something about how the bit was placed in it's mouth. He was constantly licking with his tongue and was annoyed by something. That is my only guess since I don't have that much experience working with horses.
It has a 'bit' in it's mouth (a Horse 'bit' is a bar that goes inside the horses mouth that's attached to reins, used to control it...........this horse obviously hates his bit!.........and who could blame him!..........by the way, the bit isn't being chewed on by teeth, Horses have front teeth, then a section of bare gums and then the back teeth, the bit goes on the bare gums section of the jaw........still doesn't sound like fun!
These are the most spolit and looked after horses anywhere you can find. That horse is playing up and not being ill-treated. If there was a problem an orderly would have intervened.
If you look, you can see the horses tongue is in fact over the bit, that is why you can see his tongue flailing about I’m not saying the horse is I’ll treated, but it’s very obvious it needs to be fixed in order for the horse to preform at its best, in a comfortable manner.
@@captaincruise_eq.8652 the horse wasn’t performing. Watch the video, they literally dismounted... He was at the end of his shift and going back to the barn anyway where they most definitely took the bridle off
Comments on the horse’s bit being abusive are wrong. This horse may have a “roller bit” which the horse rolls back and forth across the tongue. It increases salivation and eases tensions of standing still. These animals get the finest care I assure you. The rider’s hit is a military slap of sound only and not abusive. And the horses don’t even flinch in response. Stupid comments from non-horse people who just don’t know.
He bridled it wrong when bridling a horse the bit needs to be on top of the tongue. This rider wasn’t paying attention and did it wrong. So yes it hurts the horse. But no, when done properly the bit doesn’t hurt the horse.
I don't see any cruelty to that horse what so ever and you really call a good ol pat on the back a hit? you people are probably the type that thinks shearing a sheep is cruel as well :)
He just had his tongue over his bit which was causing him a distraction this can happen at any time and this wasn’t the best time for it to happen as the guards are not allowed to jump off and fix it
The bit is under the tongue. That’s it. Not major, just a tad uncomfortable and the bridle got taken off soon after anyway. For having horses your whole life, you don’t seem to know much
The ignorance in these comments is astounding. It has absolutely nothing to do with the type of bit, the horses tongue was over the bit, as horses can end up doing sometimes. It will have been corrected on returning to the stables. The “slap” is to make the horses aware that the rider is dismounting.
Cleveland BAY? Clues in the title - do they look brown? The Black Horses are Irish Draught bought from a few select places in Ireland. The Trumpeters obviously ride grey horses, and the drum horses are generally Shires, a solid colour (often brown) but usually with white legs and feathers.
The bit is stuck underneath the horses tongue making him uncomfortable and stressed causing movement and foaming at the mouth. Horses are always trying to tell u something how about listen instead of beating them
This has nothing to do with bridling a horse??? The horse is bored. These are boredom ticks. I would be bored too if I had to stand completely still for hours on end. A lot of non-horsey people here in the comment section....interesting.
The horse has gotten his tongue over the bit. The bridle should be raised a notch, to avoid having him do that again. The bit sits a little low in his mouth.
It looks like the tongue-flapping horse managed to get his tongue over the bit, which can be very uncomfortable if not painful. There wasn’t much the rider could do at that point but to wait it out. He did a good job of controlling a very distracted horse.
People forget these are trained fighting soldiers. And Harrassing soldiers at Palace gates is disrespectful. I can’t blame them if they get mad. They are protecting a British sacred institution! Also have risked their lives in battle.
By the way he’s licking at the bit, you can tell it’s causing discomfort. The stomping is pretty plain indication too that it doesn’t feel too good. So does the ear pinning.
That horse looks like it wants to DO something, instead of just standing there. At the end, its probably thinking, "you got me all gussied up for THIS? To just STAND there?"
Its a 3 ring snaffle bit and if you look at the reigns they are not tight.. the tongue fidgeting at the side of the mouth and the stamping of the feet is a sign or boredom none of what i saw can be misconstrued as cruel.
you are correct, to tongue is over th bit accidentally because the horse got bored and playful and now he can't get it back under. eventually he will get it back under on his own
The horse doesn't like the bit in his mouth, it was probably put in wrong or something. I don't know why we have to use bit for them, we don't like anything besides food being put into our mouths so do they have to suffer with it?
I'm reading all the comments regarding the bit in the horses mouth. some say it's too tight, other say it is bit sucking and boredom. has anyone thought that it may be just an issue of the horse not 'feeling it' on that day? they are very intelligent animals and are perfectly capable of just being irritable. as for the possible bit issues, it may be something else in the mouth that is bothering him and not the bit at all. these horses are well maintained but sometimes a little irritation in the mouth can make a horse irritable.
Actually the horse is nervous. So its playing with its tongue. I have seen horses do this before. I've seen horses do this standing in their own stall.
horse is playing with the bit. he sticks his tongue out really well.... might be green for this ceremony. Notice how the rider gives bit a small tug to remind horse to pay attention to rider. Horse is also playful. I was concerned he might bolt in a small area filled with people.....
Horse is not playing with the bit. No horse plays with a bit out of enjoyment or relaxation. Horse is in agony. Notice how the horse is pawing, ears are back, tense body, foaming, excessive chewing, and sticking tongue out. All of these mean the horse is in pain, he is saying: "You're pulling too much on my mouth. It hurts, please stop it. Too much pressure, I can't take it." Horse is actually trying to get his tongue over the bit for some relief, but this is a shank bit. Pressure is actually being created on the roof of the mouth and on the bottom. Don't speak like you're wise about horses, you are not if you think this is cute. Even a non horse person would be able to tell the horse isn't happy. Research the signs a horse is in pain.
@@Eleganciaaaaaa Most horses don't like bits. But let's keep facts straight though. The horse looks perfectly calm and is just playing around because it 's fucking bored as hell. Ok so I get that you all want to feel smart horse experts, so then just tell that standing so long doing nothing is not good for the animal. But it has nothing to do with the bit being wrong, you noobs. If the horse was in pain he wouldn't be completely relaxed, he would show clear sign of stress. Some horses just like to play with their tongue, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Yes mam, I can definitely see why you'd think that! My opinion as someone that has trained horses, mostly TB race horses, but either that horse has an attitude or it's teeth possibly need to get done! More than likely a figure 8 would correct the issue though, best of luck if you're in the equine sporting community :)
What bit do they use? Personally, our large horses have snaffles. One of our ponies has a slightly stronger bit for jumping because she gets a bit head strong, but they are definitely not snaffles or happy mouths.
I can assure you that these people know how to place a bit. Many horses will start to play with their bit and push their tongue over the bit, this is uncomfortable but they do that themselves. normally you don't even notice this (that is why so many so-called experts here don't realize it is normal behavior) since it happens to horses that are busy with their heads and mouths normally anyway. When you do notice you go and fix it, cause you lose a lot of control as well when this happens. In this case, they are not allowed to dismount and fix it, but they only stand there shortly so no problem, no harm, no human error, just a bratty (trust me they are bratty hahah) bored horse
I noticed his tongue is over the bit, that the whole reason he is fumbling around. If his tongue was underneath it then he would be doing as the other horse is doing which is standing still. Shame that these riders don't get off and sort it out, after all equestrains are supposed to do whats best for the horse :(
Poor horse is so uncomfortable in his mouth. Pointless, over-sized, ill-fitting 'traditional' bit, held on a too tight rein. If you must use a bit like this, make sure it fits so his tongue doesn't go over and relax the reins a little to give the horse a break from it. Like the other rider as it happens.
When a horse does not chew at a bit, there is something wrong. Chewing at the bit is a sign of relaxation. They do have two bits, a snaffle and a bar bit. Only one is seriously used to control the horse. They are so well trained they often fall asleep when on parade.
The horse is being a horse, it is not a programmable robot. I have had my horse, a perfectly respectable gentleman be uncomfortable in situations such as these. It is not a tack problem or abuse (I laugh), the horse is a living breathing thing, not a hood ornament, if you catch my drift.....
I don't agree he is mouthing it and clearly distressed. The bit is fitted wrong and when that is done with this kind of bit it damned well hurts...simple as and this is what this very well behaved and good horse was trying to convey with his tongue and the movement of his head.
it should be titled "how not to bridle a horse." Poor, magnificent creature...
Kathleen - Well said ! - we agree they are amazing creatures - they depend on us as much as we depend on them
Best wishes to you Kathleen from all the team here x
Exactly. He was fighting the bit the entire time. Put a little slack in it and he will calm down
Agreed, his bit is in an incorrect position so he isn’t comfortable
Watch the household cavalry documentary what the horses and troops do is amazing they’re up until 4am tack cleaning most days! And they know their horses inside out
Yes and no...some horse just are mouthy and mouth at the bit out of boredom
Looks like he got his tongue over his bit is all, my horse has done this before. Causes discomfort when pressure is applied on the reins. The tongue lolling is a clear indication.
Yes, and he can’t get it back under by the looks of things
...and...?
Yes his tongue is stuck . He keep pushing his tongue around .
"Is all"? It's awful. This poor horse has likely spent his work day with this discomfort. There's no reason one of the foot guards couldna been called upon to adjust the bridle.
Actually, the horse is flicking his tongue over and under the bit. He’s not unhappy, just perhaps keen to go back into the stables for some tucker.
Hello! I am from the UK and the bridle is actually placed correctly although it may not look like it. I have actually seen the bridle up close and the bit is safe for the horse. These horses sit around pretty much all day and so they will chomp and fiddle with the bit purley out of boredom just like normal riding horses/ponies would. Before any of these horses come out they do a full kit check with the horse to make sure all horses are comfortable and safe. I know it may look all messy and unsafe but believe me the bridle is safe.This is a normal bridle in all fairness and these horses are always treated with care and the most cared horses out there to be honest. All riders are friendly to when they aren't on guard duty and care deeply about their horses.
Absolutely,also ,they don't really enjoy being static for all that time with a heavy load in the middle of summer . They do in fact have a pretty luxurious life.
At last someone talking sense. I couldn't believe some of the ridiculous comments. These horses are trained and cared for to the highest standard and some people who know little try to impart what they think is knowledge or wisdom on something they know little about
He has managed to get his tongue over the bit during his time standing. It's obvious.
@@vickyingramnymann8543 and then he put it back where it was supposed to be! He was just bored and fidgeting. I had a young horse that would do that - fidget when he had to stand and wait, I mean.
@@vickyingramnymann8543 that can happen as we have had horses do the same but later as you can see the horse places his tongue back to were uts suppose to be. Its perfectly normal sometimes.
I worked with these horses (yes I am British) for 14 years and now am retired to Florida. I can assure you this particular breed of horse often plays with its bit even if it was a hackamoor (sic). I put them out to graze after their morning feed and brought them in later in the evening. They are way above usual horse intelligence (I have owned a former Marine Corps Color Guard horse who was tremendously well trained) and are a sight to behold.
Janet Black cool story bro nobody care 🖕🏻
Janet Black it’s only “ normal “ for this breed to play with there bridle because it’s the breed of horse they use and the bridle they use is clearly making the horse uncomfortable.
Chad Bellbowa grow up
Bridles are now being made that are better fitted to horses anatomy. Turns out there's a lot of nerves that run very close to the surface of the skin of horses faces and behind their ears. Many bridles put pressure on these areas and cause great discomfort to horses. It wouldn't surprise me if much of the "problem" with these particular horses is due to them being in pain from wearing ill fitting, decorative bridles.
@@chadbellbowa7525 you an adult?
It looks as tho the horse tongue is over the top of the bit
Stupid bastards can't even outfit a horse.
@@themightychabunga2441 you have no idea .
Yeah, it’s also a pretty harsh Bit, so it could be hurting him too :^
Looks like it yeah, mistakes happen tho even in the royal guard
Yeah it does
Allow me to explain. Some horses are very busy in their mouths, they will sometimes stick their tongue over the bit. This can happen after correctly placing the bit in its mouth, so no human error. The only problem shown here is that this man and supervisor are not allowed to get off the horse and fix its materials while on duty. The good thing is that this doesn't necessarily hurt the horse, it is just uncomfortable. The reason why it is struggling is that it is trying to undo its tongue, which the horse actually manage to do before putting its tongue back over. This horse is not per se in pain, and more importantly, these horses get the best care. Trust me, they are not being abused or misused. This time the horse just misplaced its tongue happens to your own horses more than you think. we just tend to not always notice is, due to your horse being busy in the mouth on the regular or because after misplacing your horse doesn't start to fight the bit. Animal cruelty is not the right term here, the horse is bored and is playing with its bit, trying to grab the bridles (that is why he is moving its head so much) and pulling. the guard is ignoring this bratty behavior but does not allow the horse to pull the bridle out of his hand. Nothing went wrong here, just two bored horses
If the bit was the correct size and the bridle was fitted correctly, the horse would not be able to get his tongue over the bit. "Bratty behaviour" ?! The horse is in pain/discomfort . . . how can you call his behaviour 'bratty'? When we believe pageantry is more important than an animal's comfort we are in big trouble. Once we forget that animals should be allowed to live without human expectation, we are all diminished.
Yep. Horse seemed more bored than anything else. Usual,y if a horse is uncomfortable with their bit or bridle, they'll throw or toss their head to try to get relief. Some bits are even designed with rollers to encourage the horse move his tongue around and play with the bit. It's supposed to keep their mouths softer.
Finally a comment with some knowledge behind it. These animal are very well looked after with their own vets and farriers on standby 24hrs a day. As for people saying that animal should not be used like this. Well if these animal were not used they would be killed. Horses would not be bred and the only time you would see one would be in a zoo.
Thank you. At last someone who actually knows what is happening. So many pseudo experts.
My family has bought horses that were in line to be sent for slaughter. Some were the fault of people buying a horse that they do not know how to handle. From saddling to just being scared to get close enough to check for problems. If the bits were the wrong size, and that bit gets over the tongue or under the tongue, the tongue can be injured. We bought a cutting horse that had his tongue nearly severed. I know the kings guard have their hands full but if you have a horse with a sore in their mouth , or they are being rushed or whatever. Horses don’t like loud noises and sudden movements, or pain. There was a horse that was killed by decapitation recently. These beauties may not have had all the training they need, unlike the horses in WWII, to standup to the stresses of tourism. It is not in most horses nature. But thank heavens to the people that love these horses and may always ask about their treatment. My thoughts are always with horses and the keepers and guards. These military staff are the best. But you know, accidents happen. The tourist should be told not to touch the horses bridle, but or tie down. And do not feed. The sign that warns that the horse may bite is not a command ,it is just a suggestion.
There are many horses and ponies who play with their bits, sticking their tongues out whilst doing so, this is not unusual and not down to the bridle being put on incorrectly. Those of you who have been around horses and ponies for a length of time know this, those of you who haven't should educate yourselves before commenting or jumping on the negative bandwagon!
That may be correct, but it should hardly be usual or exaggerated behavior since it reflects fretfulness (likely due to boredom). I'm very surprised a horse with this tendency is selected for this particular detail. I had a wonderful dressage horse who would smack his lips during competition (show nerves), which behavior can be penalized in the US - even at training level. There are various roller bits that can help a horse self soothe and minimize the behavior.
I don't normally respond to these posts but..... The Guards only ride geldings. the mount is allocated to the trooper, not his choice. the kit is prescribed, and is often antique, but from a time when the comfort of the mount was very secondary to control. the curb bit is known as an '''elephant bit'' as they recon that it would stop anything including an elephant!!
Too much, over use and Neddy is likely to go up and probbly over backwards.
The troopers kit like his mounts is antique, uncomfortable and really tricky to ride in. Horse and trooper polished to the ''nines'' checked double checked and checked over again before leaving stables. The troopers compete for perfection. It all fits properly. However, this horse has got bored standing around and wondered what would happen if he pulls his tongue over his bit. .....oops! cant get it back!... 'Oy boss can you get off and fix it please.' Sorry Neddy cant! we're on parade. Stop fidgeting! we're nearly done.Just bloody stand still!! here comes the Sarge''....The apparent Horse abuse at the end is the order ''Make much of your horse'' Remember it is the army, even in fancy dress.
Thank you, I believe you've given us the best description of what's going on.
Yeah, I just figured the horse was bored and possibly young and not into standing there. Didn't see anything that said abuse to me.
Why did they hit the horses? And the bit seemed to tight on the fidgety horse :(.
I Totally agree Martha - I am not sure why ? - but well spotted
Martha Brown no it was too loose. It's a poke.
+Martha Brown It's part of their training. It let's the horse know what's coming next, so they are not surprised and get skittish. I agree on the bit. It was so distracting! I wanted to reach through the screen and adjust the poor thing's bit. Obviously bothering him quite a bit.
That 'hit' was part of the training. Also to the horse it was the same magnitude as a mosqito bite :)
have to smile at the comments on the horses discomfort and the task carried out :) i doubt many horses in the world are cared for as well as these horses. as for the task required. please
Why is everyone saying they hit the horses? 5:26 was nothing more than a uniformed pat. It's called drill, and with the rank they are, what they're doing, VERY.STRICT. drill. They're not ALLOWED to move in any other way while on parade, and mistakes, depending on the severity, can very easily cost you a job (repeat, again, especially at the rank these men are at). The horses would've received genuine praise and thanks once they got off the parade square (and out of the public eye), as well as have the issue with the bit examined. These horses are all ridiculously well cared for and get insanely good treatment, likely while under world class level training. They probably live like kings.
willowstar157 very true. I have worked with horses and know a few soldiers. I know that military horses are VERY well looked after.
@@MrEvansj1 Because hitting a animal is how you look after them, sorry - be right back, going to punch my cat.
The horses do wear a double bit, one is the state horse bit, and the other is a snaffle bit. Both have reins attached but the riders don't haul on the reins because the horses could do the ceremony without the rider. The horse will not bolt either unless something is wrong. They are the finest Irish Blacks that can be supplied to the Household Cavalry. Training is twofold, mainly the horse has to want it. The Corporals of Horse can usually get an untrained horse fresh from the field and have a saddle and rider on him in a week. Nothing is forced.
the Household Cavalry horses are some of the best treated horse in the country
Horse has the tongue over the bit.
yes
what i am astonished at is how people are blaming the rider for what happened. horses have been known to get the bit all on their own, even with a properly fitting bridle. do not blame the poor guardsman
My shetland/Welsh cross did it all the time, then I switched to a hackamore. It worked wonders.
Most people in the comments either don't have/ride horses, or they don't realize that their own horse might have this happen to them more than they even know. Besides they always start to make up pain and struggles. Normally when you notice this you fix it cause you can and it is better. But this guardsman is not allowed to, yet it doesn't really harm the animal. People can be so quick to judge, yet don't know what they are talking about.
@@emilymelis6611 They are being dismissed and going in immediately to the stables where they will be well taken care of. Note - the horses are always seen to before the Soldiers are allowed off duty. Too many people think they are experts!
They should be noticing!!!!
That horse has got its tongue over its bit it isn't abuse some horses will put their tongue over the bit themselves, I had a horse that use to do that all the time, there's not a lot you can do to stop them. This guy's only sitting on the horse, kicking, beating, whipping or starving to death is what I would call abuse and there are hundreds if not thousands of horses being abused like that every day.
Maybe the bit is to low, no way of knowing unless you could get up close, if so that's something that should have been checked by the rider when tacking up.
It's true what you said, thousands of horses are being abused on a daily basis
@@lindarogers8994 can horses be trained and disciplined without any abuses?
Some horses constantly play with their bits, we had one who always put his tongue over it. Reins aren't tight
If yall notice the second he was ordered down he fixed it...military protocall held them both in position . The soldier and the horse did outstanding is a testamite to both of their training!
This is nothing to do with badly fitting tack, or the bridle being on wrong. Some horses, play with the ‘bit’ in their mouths. It can be common in young horses adjusting to the tack, it’s common in horses when they are just standing around, and can also be seen in horses that are over excited.
My horse would get very fed up if we were waiting around and pull some lovely faces and chew on his bit like it was gum.
These horses are probably amongst the best cared for in the country. There’s absolutely no mistreatment or mismanagement in this clip at all.
It’s not a sore mouth he’s just bored some horses play with the bit or chew on it, my pony did that when she stood still for to long so this horse is more than likely bored and just looking for something to do, he needs a bit with a roller so he can run his tongue over it and play with it (which yes they do make those) and if the horse was in pain they’d make a bigger fit and the rider would know through the feeling in the reins and body feel since they’d tense up which this one didn’t look tense at all *if you don’t know an animal stop saying they’re always in pain*
it actually looks to me as if this horse has gotten his tongue over the bit, not just boredom but boredom with a brain behind it haha. I imagine if this was his norm they probably eventually switched him to a spade or a spoon bit to discourage it.
at 2:42 when the other horse yawns you can actually tell the difference in the 'height' of where their tongues lay a big indicator that the fidgety horse has gotten his tongue over at least one of the double bridles bits.
Love the use of horses in all the ceremonies. Just adds that incredible touch of class
I must have missed the part of someone messing with the Queen's guard. I watched the clip100 times but still couldn't see it.
The horse's tongue is over the bit which is why he's acting up so badly. I'm not sure how I don't see more comments about this and clearly someone should have handled it, but this horse is handling himself EXTREMELY well, considering.
I grew up with horses, and have owned, trained and competed them in eventing, dressage and show jumping for more years than I can remember. I have had the privilege of training with some of the most successful and talented equestrian competitors in the US and the UK, including a number of Olympians and Medalists. You simply cannot say from this video, or any really, that the horse's tongue is over the bit. You would need to inspect his mouth to determine that. The behavior is indicative of several different causes, most normal and only a few problematic. From what little you can see from a video alone and the beautiful condition of these horses, I would bet on normal.
I have work with a few horses that would put their tongue over the bit. They got bored and wanted to do something else.
I wonder if the horse has a new bit as he looks uncomfortable, or is it set wrong,
Just what I was about to post. There is a problem or the horse would not be licking like that.
Were I his CO I would snatch his ass off that horse and strap the bit way too tight on him.
Deaghlan Finn-kelly New bit...
no...not too tight....the bugger puts his tongue over the bit.....
Deaghlan Finn-kelly The state ceremonial bridle is quite a bit heavier than the ordinary work bridles these horses wear for exercise, & the curb bit on state bridle has a high port in middle of mouthpiece, so is quite severe. reason being that troopers mostly riding one handed due to sword, & those white gauntlets are really stiff to wear, so not easy handling the reins.
Crikey! ....a sensible/coherent comment Kate Robinson! Thankyou
The horse that’s still is like: *RICHARD CALM DOWN*
And Richard is like: *IM SORRY I WANNA MOOOVVVEEE*
Clearly the bit accidently went under the poor horse tongue, and the guard cannot do anything as he is not allowed to move and stay in position. So I wouldn't say it's a big problem, but they do need to double check before they go out.
It could’ve happened after they got on especially if the horse likes to play with the bit on a normal basis
Snaffles? Maybe a French link bit. Throw away these ancient torture bits. Especially as these horses have to stand jangling this iron in their mouths
Snaffles, let's do away with this horrible tack
Megan needs a bit like this!!! That would make her shut up. Megan doing tongue over the bit 😅 and rider pulling on the reins to make her move her tongue and behave😂🤣
That was the dismissal at the end of their guard. They were headed to the stables and off duty.
Its annoying that some people are like 'the bit is too tight' 'thats abuse, bits are abuse!!!' No. To simply put it, the bit was put on wrong, the horse's tongue went over the bit instead of under it. Its a mistake that is surprisingly easy to make however it is a mistake that should be spotted way before the horse begins work,
Thank you to the one person who got it right his tongue is over the bit that's the only issue
What kind of bit is that it looks like the horse does not like it
did they hit the horses at the end?
529alex 123 Not hard.. its a signal to the other Man and to all the horses there about to dismount... imagine 15 horses... it is a reason..
The near horse's bridle wasn't adjusted properly, and the horse was able to get his tongue over the bit. You could see the rider was as distressed by that as the horse was.
I should imagine that if anyone knows how to,put a bridle on a horse it’s the Horse Guards.
It is good that you said "imagine" because only in one's imagination was that horse properly bridled.
Why was the horse hit at the end
Alice Equestrian sadly that's how that pat the horses. I now that has to be painful since a horses skin is thine and more sinative then ours
The bit is hurting or annoying the horse; should have been corrected.
Is the bit UNDER the horse's tongue?
Yes
I’m pretty sure the horses tongue is over bit and in any other situation you’d get off and fix it, in a situation like this the welfare of the horse should be put first rather than standing still and looking pretty
DannyonSaturn exactly my thought Danny.
Some bits come with rollers for nervous horses. It gives them something to do. They are not painful or distressing. I think he was just fiddling with the rollers on his bit.
I agree! If he was in pain he would be showing tail flicking and constant head throwing along with rearing
Hmm. The horse is not struggling. The horse is bored out of his mind. He is playing with the bit and searching for creative ways to avoid it!
Right I see a lot of you civvys on here acting like you know what our horses are treat like but what you don’t seem to understand is that we have the bit for a reason and not purely because of tradition our horses get some of the best treatment I have ever seen and from my perspective are only told off when necessary
Do you think hes holding the reins a little tight?
rockmom No
There seem to be three types of comments here: People who have been around actual horses long enough to see a horse fiddle with a bit, lesson riders who are RaleighLink fanatics and think all bits are abuse, and people who've basically only pet a horse one or twice in their lives.
Those of us that ride all day everyday can see the bit is under the tongue instead of above it. So he put the bit in wrong
No you guys, these horses do this all the time so they get bored. Everyone who has had a spoiled, bratty horse (trust me these are spoiled as hell hahaha) knows that they will eventually start to play with their bit to distract themselves. this often leads to them, voluntarily placing their tongue over the bit, yes which is more uncomfortable than under the bit, but remember THEY DO IT THEMSELVES. the horse is also biting down on it and pulling the bridle, the rider knows it is bratty behavior and therefore ignores it. It is just a video of a bratty horse entertaining itself. It worries me how many of these comments claim to own horses and not know the basic behavior of horses.
Very well put!
They are going inside, so they are clearly attempting to resolve the problem. The horse is just playing with the bit. The other horse is yawning. They provide security the rider can’t simply jump off whilst on guard and sort his horse out until the new guard is in place. If there was something wrong with how this horse was bridled then it would have been picked up on the very detailed pre-inspection inspection and the public inspection when they took over guard. There isn’t a problem. Learn about what your talking about before criticising something you know nothing of.
Exactly.
Guys this isn't abuse, it's clear the horse was either nervous or just dancy. If he didn't like it I'm sure the rider would be on the ground and not on his back. He's bored that's why he's playing around with his tongue. No harm done. Some of yall get offended so easily but royal guard horses are treated like kings in most countries. And that wasn't a slap as they dismounted it was just a hard pat. Again if the horses didn't like it they wouldn't have been so calm. The one horse was just bored out of his mind and probably wanted to go back to the barn and work. Because if you children don't know HORSES DO LIKE TO WORK, WALK, TROT, CANTER. you know what else. Dramatic gasp! they even PLAY! yes even these top notch royal guard horses get time to be a horse. My point stands if either of those horses didn't like what was going on they would have throw the riders or made a bigger fuss. They were bored. What happens when you put a 4 year old in a shopping cart for an hour while you shop and there isn't anything for them to do? THEY ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT THE HORSES WERE DOING GUYS OPEN YOUR EYES IT'S NOT ABUSE. ABUSE IS HURTING THE HORSE. PUTTING THEM IN PAIN, MAKING THEM DO UNLIKE HORSE THINGS AND STARVING THEM. these horses probably live better then some people in the US. Get your facts children and learn what real abuse is
Lorelai K
Were you actually watching the video? Don’t think you were. That horse closest to the camera pulled its head down because it was trying to relieve the pain in its face. The dude was pulling on its mouth so hard it licked its lips which is what any human would do when the sides of their mouth are being tugged at and it hurts. There was a ton of spit like foam around the horses mouth showing it was in pain or that spit wouldn’t have been there. That’s not a normal movement for horses, nodding their head and licking the sides of their mouth. YOU need to open YOUR EYES to the hurt this horse is feeling. Not everyone in the royal guard is like “Er mah gerd iz me horse and I lovvvvvvve it so muuuch!!” He was tugging the horses fucking face off for Christ’s sake.
Relax……the horse was not being abused. Yes he was uncomfortable and that was unfortunate but I’d like to come back as one of the palace horses any day. And yes I am a horse owner, I have a few.
He got his tongue over the bit. Not desirable but these things can happen. The horse handled it well. Behaving and just tongue waggling.
finally someone else who knows whats actually happening
The bit is too loose, which is why the horse keeps playing with it. You see how it keeps sticking it's tongue out like that? It shouldn't be able to do that. Plus, it doesn't want to be working. My horses did this after long periods of inactivity, say a week or so of laziness.
JC Caelan many of the Queen horses start at a young age this horse has his tounge over the bit and is slightly in stress as you can tell he is mainly about 3-7 years of age I'm a horse person my self and own 6 ottb and a yard
What are you folks nattering on about? Yeah, probably the curb bit should be one notch shorter, but horses do this fairly often, when they are bored. No drama or giant failing here.
I have seen horses do that in stalls and in pastures.
The horses in the royal guard are some of the best cared for horses in the world.
The spurs are not being used, a martingale does nothing but help a horse collect(Which is more comfortable for them with a rider on their back! A hollow back means injury for a horse in the long run) the double bits don't affect the horse at all unless the reins are being yanked on hard. Double bits don't inherently harm the horse unless used improperly. Simply wearing one doesn't hurt the horse. What you're seeing is a bored horse who felt like moving around today, and as a result, he's playing with the bits and pawing. We all get a little restless sometimes. I get restless at my desk and I stretch and roll my shoulders or move around. Does that mean that my job is harming me?
For everyone saying the bit is abusive or too harsh- do you actually know what that bit is? It looks like a snaffle to me, with a second snaffle with a fancy looking shank on it (Which, for you non riders, is lingo for the side bar where the rein connects lower than the level of the bit) which does very little to change the severity of the bit. When riders use two bits, they're often a very mild bit, and one is used to control the speed/direction of the horse, the other has a shank on it to allow them to provide gentle pressure in a different way to encourage collection.
It's possible the horse managed to get his tongue over top of the bit, that happens from time to time. Horses are tricky creatures and they get themselves into trouble, but it's not going to hurt him. He'll be annoyed for the demonstration, but I bet you as soon as it's is over, that rider is checking on that horse to make sure that he's okay and the bit is properly seated.
AtotheMe the bit is a double rein pelham. I use one. These bits & bridles are used in Grand Prix dressage. No it doesn't hurt the horse.
Add fact he having fab time chewing popping his tounge over the bit. Look at those ears too he is just a big bored baby.
U ask any child stand still for a short while result fidget. Not at all hurt.
Plus give it an hour he be fed bathed n out on grass n being spoilt..
AtotheMe FINALLY!!! Someone who actually an adult!!! And isn't crying about how abusive a bit is. Horse equipment isn't abusive, people are abusive. The most severe bit could be used in a very subtle way: the gentlest rubber snaffle, could cause blisters in your horse's mouth. It's all in the hands of the rider, and how much pressure HE/SHE puts on it. Not the bit itself. A BOSAL could dig into their face if you pull on it hard enough. ANY tool can be abusive if in the wrong hands.
Your very long and well-informed comment deserves more recognition from the idiots screaming "abuse" in the comment section.
Teresa Wort Ah, a Pelham! That makes sense. I haven't used a Pelham and only seen it used a handful of times. I did lower level dressage and hunter pleasure, now hunter jumper, so I haven't had much use for one!
think it's safe to say that horse isn't keen on the bit in its mouth
The horses tongue is over the bit very stressing for the horse
I had a horse that could get his bit sideways, once had to get the vet out because it got stuck. And if had been fitted by an expert, finally had to ride him with a halter, which was dicey!
This horse was not in pain, it was simply bored. He's playing with his tonque because he had the room to do so, what is a great sign for being perfectly bridled. He stopped playing if something was of interest to him and he rested his hind leg, so he felt perfectly comfortable.
@julie pope: It's not a special breed, the Horse Guard is buying black horses from all over the country and continental Europe with the right abilities and spirit for the service.
You do understand how to respond to someone on social media... don't you? Putting an @ IN YOUR comment isn't the right way. She won't see it, or get notified.
Geldings and their tongues! Lolol. I have seen some real clowns in my day. We used to say it’s a gelding thing. No pain here just bored and playing around.
The horses they use are Irish Draught Horses bred in Ireland
That rider handled the situation exactly the same way that any good english rider would...subtle tugging to keep the horse's attention and nudging him back whenever he steps out of line. Perfect handling. Feisty horse.
this is the 5th video I've seen about the guards with a horse agitated about the bit. I'm not saying they don't care about the horses, but it is bothered by the bit
hollow............did the queen shag any of the horses
So the fact that the one horse is dead happy and calm, and the other fidgets, doesn't make you wonder if maybe it is just a fidgety horse rather than cruelty to animals? My horse wouldn't stand, and he would have his tongue over in a second, because that is who he is. Seriously, I would like to see most of us good enough to be in the Royal Guard
Horses are different. No 2 are the same. There is no cruelty here, people that do not get horses, do not understand, no experience, look and make a decision based on what they see in a video. Full stop. They have no idea what went on before, or after, For example, bits. They are used as a way of control through pressure, not pain. They tell the horse which way to go. They DO NOT hurt them in any way.
I used to ride on one, and i was stepped on by one, on my left big toe when I was attempting to lead the horse back to the stable. The toe nail at first turned green, and then, it turned grey before it fell off as the new toenail that grew to replace the one. i was wearing the boot, but unfortunately, it wasn't steel toed, even though the horse that stepped on it didn't actually break my big toe. My lesson....is to be extremely careful while walking the horse since the horse is heavier than you.
Bit is not adjusted correctly
hawaii sparkle that’s what I thought too. Another 1/2 to 1 inch up and it’d stop the horse from getting his tongue over the bit. He wasn’t unhappy with the bit, just bored hence playing with it.
tongue was not its bit at all
I love the sound of the horse shoes on the cement or gravel or whatever you call that I'm sorry I'm not familiar with that kind of stuff
Good heavens. With all these negative comments I expected the horse to actually do something besides chew on its bit. Sheesh! As for the rider, he did just fine. He kept a soft contact and did half halts to keep its attention on him. I’ve done that with my horses a million times, it’s simply a soft reminder to the horse to listen up. Works like a charm and does NOT hurt the horse in any way. If you want to get excited about real horse abuse, you might focus on the horse meat industry in both Europe and the U.S. Or the recent Chinese fad for weird shit made from boiled donkey skins, resulting in all sorts of horrible abuse and inhumane slaughter of millions of donkeys.
the young horse on the end may have the wrong size bit...the horse seems very uncomfortable with how it's placed in it's mouth...and just wants the thing OUT! Wouldn't YOU?? Such stupid people.
What's up with the horse closest to the camera?
damkayaker I was wondering the same thing. I think there was something about how the bit was placed in it's mouth. He was constantly licking with his tongue and was annoyed by something. That is my only guess since I don't have that much experience working with horses.
damkayaker I was thinking they need to loosen its curb chain, or have an equine dentist check it. Horse is playing with the bit
It has a 'bit' in it's mouth (a Horse 'bit' is a bar that goes inside the horses mouth that's attached to reins, used to control it...........this horse obviously hates his bit!.........and who could blame him!..........by the way, the bit isn't being chewed on by teeth, Horses have front teeth, then a section of bare gums and then the back teeth, the bit goes on the bare gums section of the jaw........still doesn't sound like fun!
The bit is way too tight.
I am getting angry watching this.
fool took some bad ecstasy...
got that phantom chewing gum syndrome
These are the most spolit and looked after horses anywhere you can find. That horse is playing up and not being ill-treated. If there was a problem an orderly would have intervened.
If you look, you can see the horses tongue is in fact over the bit, that is why you can see his tongue flailing about I’m not saying the horse is I’ll treated, but it’s very obvious it needs to be fixed in order for the horse to preform at its best, in a comfortable manner.
@@captaincruise_eq.8652 the horse wasn’t performing. Watch the video, they literally dismounted... He was at the end of his shift and going back to the barn anyway where they most definitely took the bridle off
@@captaincruise_eq.8652 He has finished his duty and is on the way to the stables which are all of tenfeet behind them!
Comments on the horse’s bit being abusive are wrong.
This horse may have a “roller bit” which the horse rolls back
and forth across the tongue. It increases salivation and eases tensions of
standing still. These animals get the finest care I assure you.
The rider’s hit is a military slap of sound only and not abusive. And
the horses don’t even flinch in response.
Stupid comments from non-horse people who just don’t know.
wow that horse didnt like his bit XD props to the horse and rider who kept it all together though
It isnt funny that thing in his mouth rubing his teath and it isnt good it hurst a horse
He bridled it wrong when bridling a horse the bit needs to be on top of the tongue. This rider wasn’t paying attention and did it wrong. So yes it hurts the horse. But no, when done properly the bit doesn’t hurt the horse.
SOMETHING IS BOTHERING THE HORSE BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE
LELAND LEE the brakes are to tide
LELAND LEE yeah...like standing still for that bloody long.
"I wanna FLY! Let me go, damnit!!! And these shoes are killin' me".
the bit isn't fit in right
Calm and very competent rider managing a young, frisky horse. Well done.
I don't see any cruelty to that horse what so ever and you really call a good ol pat on the back a hit? you people are probably the type that thinks shearing a sheep is cruel as well :)
Shearing sheep can be cruel. It depends on who is doing it.
Its apparent the horse is upset/hurting. I noticed the other horse was licking/chomping at the bits. Maybe they got new ones?
yeah, even if its not a different bit, it might have a weird taste!
IMO the tongue rolling is anxiety. My horse will sometimes do this. He internalizes and releases through the tongue rolling and never moves his feet.
Mine does it when he is bored and being made to stand still, just like this horse is. He's perfectly happy in his mouth all the rest of the time.
Tongue over bit. Nothing wrong with bridle
All I could concentrate on was the horse. He was very uncomfortable with the bit.
He just had his tongue over his bit which was causing him a distraction this can happen at any time and this wasn’t the best time for it to happen as the guards are not allowed to jump off and fix it
Horse can put their tongues over the bit, it’s not incorrectly put on it just a habit some horse do 🤔
I’ve had horses all my life. Something is up with that bit.
The bit is under the tongue. That’s it. Not major, just a tad uncomfortable and the bridle got taken off soon after anyway. For having horses your whole life, you don’t seem to know much
The bit is under the horses tongue.
The ignorance in these comments is astounding. It has absolutely nothing to do with the type of bit, the horses tongue was over the bit, as horses can end up doing sometimes. It will have been corrected on returning to the stables. The “slap” is to make the horses aware that the rider is dismounting.
The shift in the rider's weight lets the horse know the rider is dismounting.
Not when you are bailing off in a hurry. Wacking them is to let them know you are moving out in a hurry.
What is the breed of these horses ?
My guess is that they are Irish draft horses
They are Cleveland Bay and the only breed chosen for this work.
Cleveland BAY? Clues in the title - do they look brown? The Black Horses are Irish Draught bought from a few select places in Ireland. The Trumpeters obviously ride grey horses, and the drum horses are generally Shires, a solid colour (often brown) but usually with white legs and feathers.
@@MrStraightlover Yes
The bit is stuck underneath the horses tongue making him uncomfortable and stressed causing movement and foaming at the mouth. Horses are always trying to tell u something how about listen instead of beating them
JayRed Woods You have posted the same comment like 9 times. Nothing should be "trained " to take pain. Just don't hurt the animal.
This has nothing to do with bridling a horse??? The horse is bored. These are boredom ticks. I would be bored too if I had to stand completely still for hours on end. A lot of non-horsey people here in the comment section....interesting.
Exactly.
The horse has gotten his tongue over the bit. The bridle should be raised a notch, to avoid having him do that again. The bit sits a little low in his mouth.
It looks like the tongue-flapping horse managed to get his tongue over the bit, which can be very uncomfortable if not painful. There wasn’t much the rider could do at that point but to wait it out. He did a good job of controlling a very distracted horse.
People forget these are trained fighting soldiers. And Harrassing soldiers at Palace gates is disrespectful. I can’t blame them if they get mad. They are protecting a British sacred institution! Also have risked their lives in battle.
By the way he’s licking at the bit, you can tell it’s causing discomfort. The stomping is pretty plain indication too that it doesn’t feel too good. So does the ear pinning.
That horse looks like it wants to DO something, instead of just standing there. At the end, its probably thinking, "you got me all gussied up for THIS? To just STAND there?"
I think the horse has his tongue over the bit explaining all the mouthing and uncomfortableness.
Poor horse. How could some People be so blind that they don't see something like this if they prepare their horses for events like this 🙁
Its a 3 ring snaffle bit and if you look at the reigns they are not tight.. the tongue fidgeting at the side of the mouth and the stamping of the feet is a sign or boredom none of what i saw can be misconstrued as cruel.
Exactly Pip, he want's to get going.
you are correct, to tongue is over th bit accidentally because the horse got bored and playful and now he can't get it back under. eventually he will get it back under on his own
The horse doesn't like the bit in his mouth, it was probably put in wrong or something. I don't know why we have to use bit for them, we don't like anything besides food being put into our mouths so do they have to suffer with it?
Looks to me like they have put the bit in under his tongue ... I'm a believer in bitless riding.
Yeah, obviously their first time on a horse at some random pony ride.
Horse has gotten the bit under the tongue, notice how the other horse is completely fine. Nothing to do with the type of bit at all.
I'm reading all the comments regarding the bit in the horses mouth. some say it's too tight, other say it is bit sucking and boredom. has anyone thought that it may be just an issue of the horse not 'feeling it' on that day? they are very intelligent animals and are perfectly capable of just being irritable. as for the possible bit issues, it may be something else in the mouth that is bothering him and not the bit at all. these horses are well maintained but sometimes a little irritation in the mouth can make a horse irritable.
Actually the horse is nervous. So its playing with its tongue. I have seen horses do this before. I've seen horses do this standing in their own stall.
What is the significance of the 2 slaps on dismount?
It's a signal for the horse that they are about to dismount and all the weight will be in one stirrup.
Playing with the bit to keep occupied distracted guess bes he can do either way horses amazing anyone know breed .?
Irish Draught Horses
horse is playing with the bit. he sticks his tongue out really well.... might be green for this ceremony. Notice how the rider gives bit a small tug to remind horse to pay attention to rider. Horse is also playful. I was concerned he might bolt in a small area filled with people.....
Horse is not playing with the bit. No horse plays with a bit out of enjoyment or relaxation. Horse is in agony. Notice how the horse is pawing, ears are back, tense body, foaming, excessive chewing, and sticking tongue out. All of these mean the horse is in pain, he is saying: "You're pulling too much on my mouth. It hurts, please stop it. Too much pressure, I can't take it." Horse is actually trying to get his tongue over the bit for some relief, but this is a shank bit. Pressure is actually being created on the roof of the mouth and on the bottom. Don't speak like you're wise about horses, you are not if you think this is cute. Even a non horse person would be able to tell the horse isn't happy. Research the signs a horse is in pain.
@@Eleganciaaaaaa Most horses don't like bits. But let's keep facts straight though. The horse looks perfectly calm and is just playing around because it 's fucking bored as hell. Ok so I get that you all want to feel smart horse experts, so then just tell that standing so long doing nothing is not good for the animal. But it has nothing to do with the bit being wrong, you noobs. If the horse was in pain he wouldn't be completely relaxed, he would show clear sign of stress. Some horses just like to play with their tongue, and there is nothing wrong with that.
He managed to get his tongue over his bit. That's why he's so distressed. Unfortunately his rider is not allowed to dismount to fix it
Yes mam, I can definitely see why you'd think that! My opinion as someone that has trained horses, mostly TB race horses, but either that horse has an attitude or it's teeth possibly need to get done! More than likely a figure 8 would correct the issue though, best of luck if you're in the equine sporting community :)
The bit was drawn too tight.A thing only a uncaring bastard would do or allow.
What bit do they use? Personally, our large horses have snaffles. One of our ponies has a slightly stronger bit for jumping because she gets a bit head strong, but they are definitely not snaffles or happy mouths.
So was the horses bridal not put on correctly? I know nothing about horses but it looked like something wasn't quite right.
Yeah, when you bridle a horse the bit goes over the tongue, this horses bit is under its tongue so it’s a little uncomfortable
I can assure you that these people know how to place a bit. Many horses will start to play with their bit and push their tongue over the bit, this is uncomfortable but they do that themselves. normally you don't even notice this (that is why so many so-called experts here don't realize it is normal behavior) since it happens to horses that are busy with their heads and mouths normally anyway. When you do notice you go and fix it, cause you lose a lot of control as well when this happens. In this case, they are not allowed to dismount and fix it, but they only stand there shortly so no problem, no harm, no human error, just a bratty (trust me they are bratty hahah) bored horse
I noticed his tongue is over the bit, that the whole reason he is fumbling around. If his tongue was underneath it then he would be doing as the other horse is doing which is standing still. Shame that these riders don't get off and sort it out, after all equestrains are supposed to do whats best for the horse :(
The horse is obviously uncomfortable and I think his tongue is over the bit.
Yes the bit is to tight against his tongue.
I saw that too. Either he was bridled that way (and someone needs a quiet talking-to) or he might need a refitting so he can't get his tongue over it.
Poor horse is so uncomfortable in his mouth. Pointless, over-sized, ill-fitting 'traditional' bit, held on a too tight rein. If you must use a bit like this, make sure it fits so his tongue doesn't go over and relax the reins a little to give the horse a break from it. Like the other rider as it happens.
When a horse does not chew at a bit, there is something wrong. Chewing at the bit is a sign of relaxation. They do have two bits, a snaffle and a bar bit. Only one is seriously used to control the horse. They are so well trained they often fall asleep when on parade.
thanks you answered my question perfectly
Looks like his tongue is over the bit
exactlly what I was thinking too.
Yes. agree, and very painful for the horse, shame on them .
yup a problem with bit...and very upset...still he was trying to be a good boy...
Looks to me his tongue is over the bit which is irritating him. But the guards are not allowed to interrupt the ceremony.
Oh yes, I'm sure the Kings Guard grooms don't know how to tack a horse. Luckily they have you all to educate them.
The horse is being a horse, it is not a programmable robot. I have had my horse, a perfectly respectable gentleman be uncomfortable in situations such as these. It is not a tack problem or abuse (I laugh), the horse is a living breathing thing, not a hood ornament, if you catch my drift.....
I don't agree he is mouthing it and clearly distressed. The bit is fitted wrong and when that is done with this kind of bit it damned well hurts...simple as and this is what this very well behaved and good horse was trying to convey with his tongue and the movement of his head.