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Page last updated at 11:37 GMT, Thursday, 4 September 2008 12:37 UK

Beach holiday for Queen's horses

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery on the beach at Blackpool
The horses are more used to ceremonial state occasions

Royal ceremonial horses which usually have Buckingham Palace as their stomping ground, are taking a holiday in Blackpool.

A section of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery have been stretching their legs on Blackpool beach during their week-long stay.

The horses' duties usually include ceremonies such as the Lord Mayor's show and the Queen's birthday parade.

They will be at the town's World Horse Welfare Centre open day on Sunday.

The group are staying at the centre, at Penny Farm.

'Perfect place'

Captain Alex Markwick, of Centre Section King's Troop RHA, one of the 30 soldiers in Blackpool, said: "The summer camp is a valuable part of the soldiers' and horses' training, providing them with a respite from the normal working routine.

"Penny Farm is the perfect place to carry out this training due to the fantastic facilities and nearby beaches."

Penny was one of the first horses rescued by the centre and was nursed back to health to join the King's Troop Royal Artillery and took part in the Queen Mother's funeral.

The King's Troop RHA is based at St John's Wood in central London and has about 130 horses.




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