The Household Cavalry Regiment are one of only two regiments to have their own saddlers, and tucked underneath the farrier workshop, lies one of the most unique roles within the Household Cavalry. The role of the Saddler, which is to make and fix all the leather state uniform for the 360 horses, as well as their riders.
CoH Belasco has kindly agreed to sit down with us to explain what his roles involve and a little bit of history behind creating saddles for the most iconic guards in the world. CoH Sam Belasco has practically equine blood after witnessing his father’s role as a farrier, he explains
“I joined the Household Cavalry as a Trooper when I was 18; I was initially interested in a Trade role within the Household Cavalry and was informed I would have to serve 2 years in the regiment. I completed by 2 years in Troops and then moved on to Drum Horse Groom before spotting an opening advertising a role in the Saddlers’ shop”
The apprenticeship’s for both farrier and Saddler alike are known to be lengthy, it took 5 years for CoH Belasco to complete his apprenticeship. During this time he undertook multiple theory and practice exams finalizing with a qualification from the Society of Saddlers
“The job is extremely varied and still to this day it surprises me, you never stop learning. It takes 60 hours to create a saddle from scratch, and the same the design is used on every single saddle made since 1902, it’s a great tradition.” Adding some historical trivia he continued “Traditionally, the saddlers only had 20 minutes to fix any broken leather in the riding tackle or saddle when the horse was involved in a battle, so sturdy, simple saddles were important”
There are currently 5 saddlers who create the bespoke horse “furniture” including of course the saddles. Every Year there are roughly 30 new equine recruits admitted to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Each Cavalry Black is fitted with specifically tailored kit that will stay with them for their entire army career. This fitting is referred to a “remount” this kit is constantly maintained and adjusted for each horse throughout their many years of service. The saddlers are also responsible for the soldier’s ceremonial kit including Cuirasses and Belts.
Each Cavalry Black is fitted with specifically tailored kit that will stay with them for their entire army career. This fitting is referred to a “remount” this kit is constantly maintained and adjusted for each horse throughout their many years of service.
“As well as an annual check across all horses, the kit inspection (which takes place each morning at Hyde Park Barracks) not only is in place to inspect the uniform of the soldiers for cleanliness, but it also checks the maintenance and safety of the entire kit. If this does not fit properly then it is up to the Saddlers to sort out any issues with the kit to maintain its safety.”
Here are CoH Sam Belesco’s top tips on how to succeed as a Saddler in the Household Cavalry
Finally when asked of his favourite moment in serving in the Household Cavalry
“That has to be when we went to the Edinburgh Tattoo. I was a junior Saddler and accompanied the Band of the Household Cavalry for one month aiding with any issues they had during their time there. It is such a great place and was I enjoyed every minute of it.”
