BEHIND THE SCENES: The King's Guard and Horses preparing for The Elizabeth Cup at Barracks! 

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Thank thank you John for your hardwork, and the trust you've earned from Horse Guards to be given access along other members of the press. I do hope the tourons see this and appreciate just what happens to turn out a pristine looking trooper and their horse.

My daughter is a trained equestrian and worked for several years as a riding instructor for the Guard. It is just remarkable just how much work goes into training the mounted Guards, and the time and effort to detail each mount. I am glad you had the chance to step behind the gates and bring this remarkable video to us.

It’s no surprise they chose to invite you in behind the scenes. You are always so kind, professional and discrete in your videos. What an amazing experience! Congrats!

Biggest WOW ever! Great thanks to Guards for allowing us behind the scenes and to you, John, for being so trusted and relied on that you are allowed to take us along with you. This video is a treasure for all of us who follow you daily and enjoy your work so very much. There is so much to learn here.

Thank you so much for bringing this to the Attention of everyone. It shows how hard these serving Military work both in front and behind the scenes Day in And Day Out. We should all be Immensely Proud and Grateful for Everything they do in Serving King and Country. I am always proud of All Service Personnel . l served with both living and sadly l lost such good friends in Service of Our Country.😢 These Military Personnel are carrying on with Honour and Pride. So thank you once again John for yet another Brilliant video.

Thank you for educating the public and showing us how much love and care these beauties receive.

I salute to the guards and horses. Awsome guys I'm not from UK 🇬🇧 but America I'm so proud to see them when on duty on video that's the closest I get. I rode horses already worked with them in America know the hard work. Just wish all the tourist would respect them hard working men and women UK. And horses.

Thank you John For showing this I knew the horses were well cared for, but didn't know how much work goes into it. Godbless the servicemen. And thank you for your service to the country.❤

Wow! I have never been more mesmerized than I was today to go behind the scenes with you John. What an absolute privilege to be able to experience that. I’m assuming you were the only RU-vidr there! I bet that made you feel pretty special. I couldn’t have chosen a better person to take us through. Please thank the Blues & Royals and the Lifeguards from us your devoted followers for allowing you to participate and in turn allowing us the privilege as well. Just Wow!

Wow John! What an absolute honour to be in there filming! That’s amazing 🥰

Oh! What a wonderful opportunity to see preparations being made behind the scenes for a special occasion. Harry (Atlas) is astounding and all were beautiful. Thanks, so much, John, troopers, and horses for sharing!

There are simply not enough superlatives to describe this event and the accompanying video. The tour of the barracks, the Guards, judges, and most of all our beloved horses, not forgetting the staggeringly impressive drum horses, it was all wonderful. Congratulations John, you did a sterling job and brought us this unexpected and fabulous video. It was magical. ❤ 😊

Wow wow wow that’s just an honour to be back stage how wonderful John

The officer you don't recognise, if his trousers are green it's the Royal Dragoon Guards. An amalgamation of various Dragoon regiments one of which was my old outfit the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, an Irish regiment hence the green trousers. I was a member of the band in the 60's & 70's. Cheers, Allan Hymer. (York).

WOW!!!! THIS IS VERY SPECIAL! Thanks for this filming, because we never would be able to see this work! Hard work, and very caring work. BEAUTIFUL!

Thank you for this uploading this one. And thank you to those who allowed it to be seen by the outside world. Our son (who is on duty down at Horse Guards) was talking to us last night about this event. So glad to see behind the scenes :) :)

It's an amazing place with stunning horses and a nice happy feel to it. Thanks John for the visit and commentary. ❤❤

O-M-G! How awesome is this! Congratulations! I'm really not too surprised you got this honor. Like many, I'm sure Horse Guards et.al. values you and your RU-vid integrity and style and your contribution towards making some decisions regarding the public/visitors to Horse Guard. Well done, sir! WELL DONE!

What an amazing video John, it took me back to 1983 when we (hubby, 2 sons and I) were invited to these barracks to watch the troopers mount up for the parade then off to their daily guard duties. We were friends of a Life Guard Cpl of Horse who my husband, a Scotland yard detective met at the horrific Hyde Park Bombings. He was on the anti terrorist squad and in most films of it you'll see him sweeping up and collecting every bit of evidence there. That's why your blogs always touch my heart, especially the Blues and Royals. Xx

You have to congratulate all of those troopers for all their hard work, they all look amazing.

What an honour for you John . Behind the scenes, so interesting. The care given to these beautiful horses. Also the huge drummer horses. Thank you so much, this must be your best day ever.. thank you again....Eileen

Love this vidéo. Great to see what goes on behind the scenes. These men & women deserve our utmost respect, admiration & thanks for their service.

Do you know John you would make a perfect commentator for the Elizabeth Cup you have that wonderful tone to your voice I listen to your RU-vid for hours you make it so interesting

🐴 *_ATLAS the GIANT_* WHAT AN EXTRAORDINARY ANIMAL. The BIGGEST LEGS ever seen...! FEET (hooves) like a large serving plate, it must be 19, 20 hands, or even more, 21 hands...? *HUGE !* He seems soft, fluffy, cuddly, a good boy... An absolute beauty of his kind. Again *MERCISSS* John... Huge appreciation. ♥️🐴

Big thank you to the troopers as well. Nice to see them smiling too. Lol at 5ft 2 inches to ride a horse that bignid have to haul around a step ladder. My nose probably wouldn't come up to the stirrup. And let's face it. Most of us would be poor judges because even if they manage to get a roll in the dirt, we'd say they were absolutely magnificent!

Thank you all so much for sharing with us. We care about the Guards and the horses too! They are serving their Country and they have our support in all they do. I am an ex pat living in Texas and I check in with you John pretty much every day, your videos mean a lot a lot of people.

Absolutely brillant to see all the hard work the troopers do. Thank you Jonn for this womderful video. Thank you to them all for their service - makes you very proud of them all doesn’ it.

Very appreciative and absolutely gobsmacked! Sharing with all my horse friends. Brilliant! 100%!❤❤❤

It’s like a pit crew we see at car racing as all the soldiers work to achieve the best for each horse and soldier. Amazing work.

That's very privileged honour. Busy working soldiers and horses in preparation. Thanks for the video.

I wish I was there I always loved the ceremonial when I was at the Honourable Artillery Co., and The Royal Artillery Woolwich Barracks I miss it so much it’s family you make friends for life 😊

What can I say John that hasn't already been said ! You kept that quiet ! What an honour and a privilege to be invited and to be able to share with us thank you . First horse we see is one of my favourites lovely Monty , I've been wondering where the gorgeous boy was hiding 😍. The magnificent huge Shires the Drum horses what a glorious sight and for the first time we see you stroking a horse 😀. I'd need at hoist not a mounting block ! Good of them bringing Harry out for everyone to see the size of him ! The explanation of the kit by the Trooper was so interesting and the amount of work that goes on , on a daily basis to keep both the horses tack and Troopers uniforms immaculate was so well described , exceedingly well done to the Lady Trooper in front of all the officers , she must have been nervous . I'm going to watch and listen again , and wait impatiently for part 2 ! .THANK YOU THANK YOU including those who invited you along !

Can't believe my eyes! Stunning, stunning, stunning! Magnificent drum horses as well. Extraordinary inside look into the preparation that goes into the Horse Guard Parade. Thank you to the wonderful Troopers for letting you show us this special day in their world.

This is your best video ever. ❤❤

What a fabulous behind the scenes look at the guards and horses that we love to watch. They are very hard working men and women and we are thankful for their service.

Drum horse Harry or Major Atlas is huge, 21 hands, he is gorgeous as is Juno the mare. They are the gods and goddess of the HG. Didn't know they where named troopers. Hearts in their mouth time for the judgeing. Its an honour to be chosen I imagine for The cup.

My mum was in the land army working the farms and she has a picture of her with 2 shire horses that pulled the loads that she looked after. Honestly they were huge but she said they were gentle giants 😂

John this is the most fantastic thing I’ve ever seen! The horses brought me to tears. Long military history in my US family with horses. Much gratitude to you. ❤

Oh my goodness this is brilliant seeing them in there stables .❤️❤️❤️❤️

My Grandson has just passed out with the RAF Cadets, if he sees this, he might just change his mind about his choice. 😂😂❤❤

The drum horse. Magnificent! ❤❤❤

Oh my Lordy wiping Monty down must be a long job…..he’s a big lad, and for the Princess Elizabeth Cup turn out has to be perfection……like better than usual perfection.Soooo much work right there and everyone mucking in….I mean, I’m a horse person…..I KNOW how much work it is to turn a horse out so perfectly(many MANY show turn outs behind me😳) but then all the riders kit is just show turn out to the max….and I’ll be perfectly honest, I DID wonder if there was room in the cartouche for a sneaky ciggy or two 🤣And Northumberlands marking is a sock with ermine spots.It’s a huge job trying to keep all the white stuff white, and all the shiny stuff shiny when you want excellent turnout……..it’s just so much work. You now know why the farriers carry an axe…..you probably don’t want to know why that axe also has a bloody big spike. Oooooooh and the drum horses!! I LOVE the drum horses…..shires are gorgeous…..yes John, Juno is a mare 😂. I’ve ridden a shire…..they’re cool, ESPECIALLY cantering, like a rocking horse. So cool to get a good look at the tack….I THOUGHT it was a surcingle, but also to see what they’re looking for when judging the turnouts😇 Ooooh the Warrant Officers and NCOs mess 😳so behave peasants 🤣This is just fantastic John…….thank you so much for this. I love this…..brings back many fond memories of setting up and show prepping, last minute tasks like oiling down muzzles, checking bits, and making sure everything is in place…..hehe I love the way the mounted trooper has one job…….sit there and stay CLEAN!!!

Loved this. Watching the horses compliantly allowing themselves to be pampered was delightful. Harry/Atlas was hugely magnificent. Thank you for covering this event.

I'm sorry I keep commenting, but wow, the interior of such a historic building, just beautiful. The artwork, you must be so proud of your country ❤

Thank you John that was brilliant the horses are just wonderful they are so loved nice to see the troops as well ❤❤

WOW!!! A totally thrilling view of behind the scenes caring and preparation of these magnificent animals and highly trained soldiers who attend and work with them. A true honor, John, and we assume this is a well-deserved, unusual acknowledgement of your professionalism, trustworthiness and true loyalty to the Guards and Horses over time. Congratulations on a great opportunity for those of us in the outside world to see these very special people and the truly special animals with which they work and serve! Blessings to All 💞. (Marcia D, United States)

The horses are so calm and patient.

very impressive video. si lucky to have the privilege of seeing how well looked after these horses are, but the work the troopers do. good luck to both regiments but my favourites are the blues and royals. i hope this puts to rest that the horses are well treated and cared for. thank you for allowing us to see this wonderful behind the scenes workings.

Oh Thank you all so much for letting us to see these wonderful horses. some years back when "Digger" was not able to continue with him taking part as a Drum Horse, and was sent to see if they could get him fit again. I used to send a Monthly fee to assist with his treatment. Sadly he couldn't recover and I felt distraught.

Thank you so much, John, for giving us an insight into the workings of Household Cavalry behind the scenes! It was wonderful to see! Greetings from Saskatchewan!👋🇨🇦 Snowstorm promised for the weekend, with deth up to 30 cm! I hope not!

Thank you so much John, my ex used to Guard at the Palace (although not Horse Guards) Most people are unaware of how much hard graft goes on. I guess if you don't see it or someone is not explaining then you will not know! Fantastic coverage.

Oh how awesome to see behind the scenes! ❤ Thank you for sharing this.

WOW WOW WOW!!! Such an honor for you John!!! I can't watch the whole vid now as I am at work, but will more than likely watch it more than once!! ♥️♥️♥️

Fantastic! Although I said I wouldn't be watching, I have been choosing the things I watch carefully so not too much handling of the horses by ignorant tourists. This is a real treat, something I love having worked in stables myself, I remember preparing horses for shows and oiling the horses hooves and making sure the tack is as near perfection as possible reminds me of very happy times. This young ladies talk is fascinating too.

Northumberland that’s my boy when I used to go riding obviously I used to do the tack and the keep of the stables but loved to platt the tails the result was amazing with coloured ribbons

Amazing video, thank you so much for sharing ❤ Edit: I detected Ormonde, he looked so relax and pretty.

John, thank you so much for this fascinating video. Congratulations to you for being invited to film. Shows how you are appreciated. Brilliant study of all the preparations. These troupers work really hard. Now we know why they look so Immaculate in their presentations at Horse Guards and public parades. Im proud to be British and it made me very nostalgic. Thanks again.

That trooper with the horse at first, is that the guard that's the no nonsense guard in the horse box? That's really cool John! I like watching this stuff. The behind the scenes look

Impressive! Well done John for such a wonderful video. Another feather in your cap. You must be well chuffed.😊

That is a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication that goes into readying these horses no detail missed.

I am transfixed! So many questions answered

Oh my goodness. Didnt expect this video today. What a fascinating insight!

Love that he's got a tiny blue ball to play with, bless. ❤❤

Thank you so much for showing us what goes on in the stables found it all very interesting. I love when you are giving us feed back at Horse Guards. Once again Thank you.

This is amazing. Love this behind the scenes. As an American, I am always fascinated with the Histroy and Tradition. So amazing, what dedication.

Amazing to see all the work before hand. Hours of work.

Wow! Thank you sooo much John for this amazing surprise. Kudos to you that the Blues and Royals and the Life Guard trust you enough to allow you access to this extraordinary day. I truly enjoyed learning about all of the tack for the horses and for the Guards. The level of care and the details required to maintain it all is just amazing. Again, thank you so much for this amazing video today.

Afternoon John , you are lucky and an honour to be behind filming brilliant video. I'd be very happy riding a horse this big

This look behind the scenes is just fantastic ,you can have a true appreciation for what tge Guard goes through to prepare for their watches,and very awesome you were invited in.Well done!

Wow, what a treat to see inside the stables, and right off to see my favorite trooper! It’s amazing to see the work that goes into keeping the horses so well groomed! Everyone should see this! Much respect for these guards! I loved seeing Atlas, what a magnificent horse! You must feel so honored to be allowed back there to view all this! It makes one appreciate what they all go thru for us to see! So much respect for them! Thank you again John for a wonderful video!❤❤🇱🇷

John it’s great to see behind the scenes thank you say thanks to the guards 😅😅😅

Oh John! I got so excited that I lost my post before I finished! I just NEED to say THANK YOU, JOHN! You are brilliant on every post you put on here and I appreciate you so much! I just needed to finish my first post to you where I got lost... THANK YOU for everything you do!! I love hearing your voice every day because then, I know it's going to be good, but today, you were BRILLIANT!! THANK YOU, thank you, thank YOU! ❤

John, I think the two behind the scenes videos are your best ever so far. Your commentary along with video and the help of the troopers was just over the top informative and impressive. Anyone who has any doubt about the level of respect these hard-working men and women deserve, the answer is found in these outstanding videos. As you would say, just WOW WOW!

Thank You for this amazing video. Was able to see my favorite Guard. "THE KAREN SLAYER" The horses are magnificent. What a privilege that You were able to do this. THANK YOU!!!!

These horses are amazing they just stand there while all this is going on

Oh John what can I say I am made up for you. What a privilege and an honour to be invited to view the proceedings. Well done indeed. I watched a documentary a while back and I think I’m right in saying the winner of the competition wins a civilian saddle as well as meeting (the Queen at that time) the King. What an immense amount of work goes into looking after these horses and kit on any day never mind special occasions. Thank you so much for sharing

Awe I just seen Vern Stoker I watched him train young man and women for year's he made snot nose boys and girls into strong 💪 men and women lovey to see him ❤🙏💕🥰🤩

Fantastic horary dying see this Well done everyone. MADE MY DAY 😅😅😅😊😊😊XXX

Truly wonderful to watch behind the scenes. Monty is soooo gorgeous l. Thank you John for bringing this delightful video.

PART TWO: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-m-PBy06kPjI.html A HUGE 'Thank you' to London District and the MOD for facilitating access to this remarkable event. --------------------------------------- The Princess Elizabeth Cup This ritual takes place every year and is a highlight of every young, talented mounted Trooper’s career. This is the Princess Elizabeth Cup Competition and its aim, to identify the top four Troopers in The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals, which make up the four divisions of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, is fiercely sought after. Not least because the finest finishers will form His Majesty The King’s Retinue on the King’s Birthday Parade in June 2024. The Competition which began in 1949 in the reign of King George VI, was created by The Late Queen Elizabeth II while She was still Princess Elizabeth. She awarded the cup for the first time at the Richmond Horse Show to Trooper Stout of The Life Guards. The competition is guaranteed to build character and discipline but is also designed to build Troop, Squadron and Regimental cohesion through friendly rivalry, as everyone in the regiment comes together to make their chosen soldiers the best of the best. Twelve finalists compete in the judging and the top eight finishers will meet The King at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May when the best of the best will be awarded the prized, silver Princess Elizabeth Cup in the main arena. ---------------------------------------

Thank you for sharing this. What a great insight into the hard work and dedication of all concerned. Wonderful that you were granted access to this. Well deserved.

Fantastic. What an honour to be able to see this today. Thank you so much for filming.

Thank you for taking us, your fans, on this fantastic journey. One I would never otherwise experience in person. Your commentaries are enjoyable, always. I am happy you were a Video-ographer chosen to film, narrate, and share with us.

wow amazing behind the scenes access

Such an amazing opportunity John. It was great to see behind the scenes and up close like this. What an honor to be chosen. Thank you for sharing it with us.☺

Thank you so much John! What a wonderful experience to be able to see the behind the scenes and the hard work all these men and women put in to this. Thank you again for sharing!

Thank you John for bringing this special event to us. Good luck to all of the troopers taking part, what an honour to represent your troop in this competition. Dedication is shown with the pride of all concerned in the preparation of horses and their riders. I'm glad you were given the honour of filming this for us to see what goes on behind the scenes.

Hi John, thank you so much for this extraordinary video, it's wonderful to see all the hard work and care that goes on behind the scenes with the Kings Guard. Definately what makes our country great. Thanks again, roll on part 2.

What a wonderful treat, loved it as well as spotting some of the faces. thank you

Wow love the back stage prepping for the horses now we know why they just quit they love the care and attention they are giving

Thank you John for bringing this to us. It's just great!

Thank you John so much what a wonderful treat..Seeing Monty I know all about Monty, was he not named after Queen Elizabeth "s friend Monty Roberts, world renound horse trainer from here in America, that is the person I have followed in training methods for all my horses.....but my guy does it all without a bit or bridal, and no spurs..he is all body language trained... this is so wonderful thank you so much, from big bend area Florida USA..

John that was absolutely amazing i was sure near to tears with those Magnificent Horse's and our fantastic Military. What a honour to watch all what happens behind the scenes. That 21 hand Beauty drum horse sorry forgot his stable name and his Duty name was just somthing else. The Lady Trooper who won last year was superb in her demonstration. Hope we get a part 2 John id love to know who wins. Thank you stay safe John ❤❤🇬🇧🇬🇧

Amazing opportunity. Thank you so much to everyone from the services and to you John for sharing this wonderful privilege to see with us.

Schade das ich niemals diese Stallungen und Pferde im Hintergrund der Pflege sehen werde. Meine Achtung ist noch weiter gestiegen. Es ist so schön zu sehen welche Zuneigung die Pferde erhalten und die Pflege genießen dürfen. Vielen Dank auch an die Kamera Führung die dem Zuschauer aufzeigt welchen Respekt diese Menschen und Tier verdienen. Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland. ❤

It is so impressive the time and energy spent by each person here to show their best foot forward! These horses are loved so much and it shows.

Great to see the Union Flag still relevant, about time it was put back up outside horseguards, I guess that's the sad state of Khan's London. Other flags have taken priority.

Thank you, ever so much for this fascinating and informative video. All the work and dedication put into making sure all is perfect; the meticulous care and attention to detail is obvious. The King's Guards and their magnificent horses are indeed a beautiful sight to see....and appreciate. Much respect to all!

Dazzling, absolutely dazzling! Thank you, John, for the behind the scenes ❤