Im an American and I would very much like to know why an exemplary soldier, who has been appointed to be a royal guard, mounted on a well bred and spirited horse belonging to the crown, must tolerate being degraded to the level of goats in a petting zoo? It hurts to see this.
@@NsyShwl these are the Elite Troopers. You have no idea do you? They also work their backsides off behind the scenes before you think they just sit on a horse for 1 hour.
Im so glad they have an emergency button, i was a little surprised how long it took somebody to come out to check on him and his horse though. I can imagine how much these horses and guards have to be patient and calm. And i just wish there was some type of barrier to stop people getting too close. Both are stunning in their approach to their duties.
This has been suggested a few times. The reason a barrier wouldn’t work is that it could be dangerous for horse and rider. If the horse spooks, as they do sometimes, a barrier would cause it to panic more and it could cause rider to come off and even the horse to get seriously or fatally injured. But I understand where you’re coming from x
@lesleywilbourne7823 yes but you could have an invisible barrier ie lines around the horse and rider, and have clear instructions not to cross these lines. Yes I know you would get the idiots who don't listen but but for the most part the horses wouldn't be touched and prodded by everyone, and you don't know if somebody is giving the horse something via mouth or skin. I can see on the faces of the riders wondering what people are doing. I'm also nervous when I see people putting their children so close to the horses, sometimes on their own. If the horse decides to bolt they're right in the danger area.
These soldiers are excellent riders. Their ability to keep an agitated horse contained and under control in such a small crowded area are impressive. The tourists don’t even have the sense to step back and quit posing for pictures and videos when the horse is about to lose it.
I have a lot of respect for these soldiers. Their training, their determination, and dedication are phenomenal. To have the patience to sit through throngs of tourists who don't read signs, who don't seem to understand that these soldiers are indeed working soldiers. They aren't for ornamentation. Be respectful to them.
Not for ornamentation? These soldiers are forced to stand or sit on a horse for hours, rely on someone else to help them when tourists bother them, impact their faces if they faint, wear armor over a century out of date (and a helmet that hinders more than it helps), and carry a sword as a weapon in the 20th+ century. Why even bother with this whole charade if not for looks? The functional, real guards are those in Kevlar with modern weapons, those who can stabd a chance against a threat over 10 feet away. The ones that have to step in to protect these "guards." These poor people are gaslit into thinking the position is an important one, when they should be allotted actual gear to function as a guard. These people deserve far better if they've worked themselves into the ground to prove their loyalty to their country. I'm not trying to lay into them (they have to put up with so much already), but whoever organizes that program in a manner that was obsolete before they were even born.
I wonder how many of the people that goes up there and have their picture taking, thanks the guard and their horse for doing their job for Crown and Country.
Sensible to take the horse back to the stable, he was very unsettled. It's amazing what they and the troopers have to put up with. The noise, crowds and constant patting is a lot for the horses to cope with, all credit to their riders.😊
The horse was unsettled because the bit in their mouth is very uncomfortable and probably needed adjusting, that's how they control a horse - through pain!
@@harleyboy90210 no, the horse was unsettled due to the police siren, they are used to the bits, they are in no pain they are some of the most well cared horses on the planet
@@harleyboy90210 not true you obviously don't know what you are talking about, the control from the bit is a light pressure on the horses mouth and not through pain get your facts right.
These horses are well looked after and trained, but like all living animals they get pissed off to, that guard knew the horse was not happy. That’s shows good horsemanship 👍🏻🇬🇧
I'm not a horse woman and could see the horse was in some sort of distress by his agitated manner. The soldier did a good job trying to control the situation on his own while help was coming. I liked the point when the horse said, "nope! I'm outa here!" 😀
What beautiful and graceful horses i had 4 horses growing up and i loved them so much being with my horses was my favorite part of the day i spent more time with my horses then i did people they help with my anxiety and depression so much
The behaviour of tourists has changed a lot over the past 30 years. When my cousin was in the Lifeguards (one of the two division of the Household Cavalry) tourists were respectful, quiet and kept their distance. Now that his son is in the same regiment it has really changed: there are far more tourists and they don't seem to know how to behave in general, and around horses in particular.
I agree completely. I’m British and when I used to be taken up to London as a child we used to see the guards and horses. You wouldn’t dare try to talk to them or go near them. Things are vastly different now and not for the better either. IMO people years ago were more respectful generally - as a child I used to refer to adults as Mr/Mrs X not by their first names. Also tourism was a lot less decades ago. Now every man and his dog can travel the globe leading to places struggling with over-tourism and lots of people congregating in certain areas of certain cities. Linked to this - many people are not used to travelling to other countries and see no reason to respect another country’s heritage. I used to live in Rome back in the day. It was a time when more people were being able to book holidays abroad. Visitors from certain countries were not respectful of Italian culture whatsoever and were pretty awful. I also think people now, instead of enjoying an experience, want to take vids and selfies to post on social media which leads to all sorts of problems including being intrusive, rude etc.
I loved going to see them when I was a kid. My dad was in the army and taught us they were in guard and not to talk to the guards. I stand next to the horse, have a picture taken. I always said thank you to the guard and horse after. I still like to visit them when I'm in London
I went to London 25-30 years ago. And yes, the tourists were very respectful of the Royal Guards and their horses. Nobody yelled or laughed loudly. Nobody tried to pet them. Nobody made jokes about the men or the horses. I have strong thoughts about this- all in agreement with you. So I will just get to finish by saying this... The Guards and their horses are on duty. I am American so please correct me if I wrong, but these are soldiers serving their country. People don't know or care about that. That is what makes me angry. Thank you for your comment. I am sorry for the long winded reply.
@amandaely9983 So true. To be so absorbed in photo ops and focused on angling for the "perfect" photo and video.. While not noticing or caring that the living being you are focusing on is highly anxious and distressed...just for that social media photo op.. Ugh. I think my brain cells just shorted out.
I will say it again.......hang sign : Do Not Touch the Horse..... Stand Back....then, post a policeman close to enforce...these men (police) just stand around in a group (inside the gate) chatting, and/or opening /shutting gates...AND, move the crowds back at least 15 feet, no ifs or buts...DO IT... Kudos to the King's Guards for their dedication.... Thank You for your Service~~~
Actually touching a horse brings a very real sense of joy and wonder to nearly everybody. It would be a shame if touching or being near these horses were forbidden and would remove an important reason these ancient Royal rituals continue in their popularity with both the natives and the visitors from abroad. When my lady friend and I go riding in a nearby park open to hikers and horses, we always stop for the kids and give them sugar cubes so that they can experience the special joy and the reality of these huge animals that have served us throughout history.
@@oldgeezerproductionsyes most people do enjoy being around horses. But to me it’s very disrespectful to the guards and their horses to get so close and in their face. Respect their boundaries. Do you get that same joy stressing a horse that could cause harm to itself or others? Put yourself in their place. You don’t know any of these people, you don’t understand what and why they keep getting too close. Touching you, grabbing at you, over and over again. The guardsmen and their horses deserve a lot more respect, they’ve earned it.
@@katz734 These are trained, mature horses and are very well used to being around human beings. They allow saddles to be placed on their backs, metal bits to be put in their mouths and riders weighing well over 100 pounds to sit for hours on their backs. In many cases horses like to be be touched and stroked and have people close enough to smell them -- it gives them something to do, especially when just standing there, bored to death. When my friends and I are out riding in a multi-use park near my stables or riding on the beach, we stop for groups of kids and give them sugar cubes so that they can experience the reality of live horses and interact with them. This not only brings joy to the kids, but teaches them that there other creatures in the world besides other humans. Allowing this interaction is an important reason why those guards with their shiny sabers and their gaudy uniforms are there, to give British citizens and money-bringing visitors a taste of Royal Grandeur, a wonderful opportunity to observe pageantry and interact with that pageantry to a reasonable extent. That people want to pet the horses is an expression of their love for the animals and by proxy, an appreciation for the horse's rider. Having said all that, I do agree that touching the reins is and should be strictly forbidden because pulling on the reins, and thus the bit in the mouth, is a signal for action and control and may startle the horse into movements that are wrong for the situation. As long as the public doesn't interfere with the control of the horse, they can pet and show affection all they want and I'm absolutely sure the Guards would agree.
I’ve been a horsewoman for almost 50 years. From what I can see, the horses are wearing double bridles, which means there are two bits in their mouths; a mild snaffle (the “O” shaped ring) and a more severe curb bit (the “S” shaped bit). Or, a Pelham bit. The Guards are holding onto the curb rein, which gives a more severe check than the snaffle. Plus, from what I also witness, the bits may be too large in length. I’ve also noticed most of the horses toss their heads, and constantly play with the bits, which tells me they are not comfortable. One horse, in another video, even got his tongue over the bits (the tongue must remain under the bits), which means the Guard no longer has control of the horse, which can be dangerous. These horses not only have to deal with uncomfortable bits, they also have countless tourists approaching them, petting them, grabbing the reins, etc., it’s no wonder some of these horses don’t look happy. 😢
Yes, I’m no expert when it comes to Horses but I also thought the horse was troubled with his mouth..if they have all that gear in their mouth that you mentioned it’s little wonder they act up at times and then they have the never ending crowds to cope with.
I totally agree, and have in earlier videos commented this type of gear due to animal cruelty laws are banned in many countries. The argument against it is “if it was bad for the horse they wouldn’t do it”, and, “this is the horse guards, specialist in what they do”. It’s just ridiculous, as anyone can see the mouth gear are so often the problem for these horses - not the public!
As a US soldier stationed in West Germany in 1955, I was on guard duty one evening outside the PX when a man fell to the ground, maybe from too much beer. I leaned down to look more closely at him, when a German girl, a guest tried to take hold of my rifle I think to assist me. I had to push her away with the rifle. Maybe she, too, had been drinking a bit too much. She should have known better. God help me, if I had let her take hold of my M-1! I would surely have faced a general court martial. People do stupid things. The best thing to do when a guard is on duty is to stay away from him, be he the King's Guard or any other! I think the King's Guard is too obliging to tourists. If they are serious about protecting the King and the palace, tourists should be kept away. There is a contradiction in using the palace as a tourist site and protecting it with mounted guards.
It’s wonderful to see that they do have a safe button for situations like this. The guard did amazing at keeping calm and understanding the body language of the horse that something was off for whatever reason it was, weather it was overwhelming amounts of people around, or the loud emergency siren around the time the horse started acting up, or something completely different. I can see why theres a beware sign of the horses can kick, most people don’t know they can severely hurt you or even kill you if kicked the right way, and this horse showed signs of why to keep distance since it looked like he could have kicked easily from being upset from whatever it was.
I agree. These guards and their well trained mounts are doing their job. The poor horses are so in control amidst this onslaught of gawping people who, many, have no manners or respect....all to get a stupid picture. I wish they weren't allowed within 75 feet of the areas.
To think they have to stay in position and put up with human stupidity for 1h... This has to be one of the most stressful work shifts in the whole world... Honour and respect to the Guards and their horses.
I am from Argentina and English is my second language. I honour Life and feel deeply attached to moral values. I volunteer for different pro-human and non-human animals and environmental NGOs. I believe Spiritual Knowledge and Education allow us to become the best version of ourselves. I see Existence as a whole that includes diversity and wonders. I respect cultures and I think no life is insignificant. And I love Britain. Love and Good Vibes to everyone. Namaste.🤗
@@megaalvon3060cantinfleaste demasiado dijiste tanto para terminar diciendo nada, pense que dirias algo sobre el comportamiento nocivo de esa gentuza no me merecen ningun respeto es gente muy burra.
The guard knew that horse was about to play up, they can tell by the way the horse’s bodies tense up and the head throwing. Those guards are so in tune with their horses it’s wonderful. ❤
The horse was stressed and in discomfort for a long time. He let his rider know repeatedly that something was wrong, but was being ignored. Horses are barely contained insanity. Ignore their distress to your peril.
6:47 the way the soldier outs his hand on the horse to show him respect is so beautiful they truly love and cherish their horses they know how important they are to the palace
I don't understand why there is no barrier that keeps the tourists at an appropriate distance from the horses. Apparently they think that the warning sign doesn't apply to them. I can only imagine how relieved the horses and guards are when they go off duty!
I think it’s because if the horse panics and tries to bolt, a barrier would increase the chances of injury to horse and rider. But there could be painted lines on the floor with a £30 fine every time someone crossed it.
As much as these gaurds are working, they are also a major draw for tourism. Plus the Royal family in this modern era has tried to pride itself on being accessible as possible to the public. His majesty's armed forces are considered an important part of bridging the public closer to the Windsor household. Unfortunately in the past few years, the respect shown by his majesty's gaurds to the public has not been reciprocated. Unfortunately I do think that at some point there will be barriers between gaurds and the public. Just these past few years I have seen more incidents involving the public blockading his majesty's armed forces from carrying out thier day to day duty. People pulling on riegns, people jumping on the railings of Buckingham Palace, children tripping up gaurds at Edinburgh Castle. When a guardsman even hadls to utter a decibel during his duty, you know that the public have forgotten common decency and respect
@@mikoto7693good luck handing out the fines. If you really care and don’t want tourists to treat your guards as tourists, then stop putting them in these type of clothing and being so close to tourists
What I said as well in many videos. I am so sick of seeing it. And oblivious parents letting their kids pet them like it was some kinda zoo sickens me me. I don't blame the kids, just the parents, and adults doing the same should know better.
These men and women are soldiers who are operational and ceremonial. They guard our monarch and defend our country on the battlefield, they deserve the utmost respect as given by foreign nationals to their military
I am SO impressed that the mounted guards are able to keep their mounts as calm as they do. Everyone (horse and human) has an off day. Quickly resolve with a minimum of fuss.
I'm so glad Guard took the horse back to the stable and take all that gear off of him and let him just rest for a while and get something to eat and drink, replacing with a different horse. The horse was starting to get very stressed out with all those people and it's very understandable.
@@georgebarnes8163 The acoustics inside the arch where they are standing are much different. The horse would experience the siren much differently as the noises bounce off the stone walls behind him. The horse wanted out of that confined area.
No it's not, there are great carers in literally all parts of the world, just because you're to ignorant to see or acknowledge that is no one's fault but yours
@@bigbay1159 what the hell is your problem? There is always one in every crowd and your certainly it! I merely commented excellent horsemanship and you want to take this compliment and been a TOTAL ASS. Go find someone else to argue with. Better yet find a hobby to release your frustration. Seems to me many agree with my compliment to this guard.
@@nobbyfirefly57 ты глупый? откуда у эксплуататоров деньги? правильно. из твоего кармана. ну раз капиталист нанял частную армию за "свои" деньги, то вопросов нет? есть! откуда деньги?
@@MopaHa13 we’re not asking where the money came from. It’s the amount of money that matters when paying for something, along with the money not being forged. The business don’t care if it’s morally good or not. Take a look at BlackRock for example, they’re making everything woke for tax write offs and stuff. Like it’s fine to have something woke, just not in people’s faces. It needs to be natural, not artificially forced in.
To all the people commenting on the bits. These bits only look harsh, it's for appearances... inside you will find a copper piece which causes the horse to keep a moist, soft mouth, sometimes even a frothy appearance. They enjoy rolling the little copper piece in their mouths. This horse was throwing it's head, but if you notice, it also had to go poop and could have been having a lot of other issues as seen by the head wanting to go around and rub it's belly and not being allowed to do so caused it more stress. I don't think the bit was the cause of this episode, I think the horse did not feel well. No one will ever know because it will be just marked down in the everyday life in the journals inside the stable. A replacement will arrive shortly after the video.
Some Americans could be better behaved abroad but Europe has also has its fair share of idiotic tourists. If anything, budget airlines are to blame. The world's idiots are on the loose.
You don't have to apologise. It's not exclusively Americans and I for one love it that most American tourists take a deep and genuine interest in our history.
Idiots haven't got a braincells between em infact they haven't got the brain of a gnat the tourist are as thick as two short planks n have nowt upstairs n a sandwich short of a picnic lol I'll leave at that you'll get the jyst lol
They all hate those bits. For a detail of standing they should use simple snaffle!! It’s all about pretty not comfort. Too many throw their heads up all the time.
These guards and their horses are so patient with all this frenzied attention by sightseers. My hat goes off to them. Can't they see how disturbing they are to that poor horse .
I think they should do something. The horse is quite agitated. The noise,the tourists,the endless touching,horses’ space is even disrespected. There must be a red line. It’s just too much for both horses and guards.😢 Just saying.
I remember when I was a kid living nearby in the 60s I used to love seeing the guards and the pagentry but the crowds were smaller around the Horse Guards' and the people weren't so cheeky and were more respectful.
Look how beautiful them horses are they are taken care of so well look gow beautiful and slick their fur is and the tail cut and brushed beautifully....amazing
Levels of respect are not exclusive or particular to a country! I seriously doubt many of those wanting selfies with the horseguards were British nationals anyway. This is something that foreign tourists tend to do on their sightseeing trips. I'm British and Ive walked past Buckingham palace hundreds of times, the average Brit wouldnt stop for a selfie here.
The only "ceremonial" guards in the USA I know if guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It would be unwise to mess with them and especially disrespect the Tomb. I suspect they have a certain amount of... leeway... when it comes to resolving issues.
Respect has nothing to do with it - if the UK admins didn't want tourists around the guards and horses they would say so and put a stop to it. Instead, they actually encourage it as 'public relations'. Expecting a horse to act like an emotionless robot is unreasonable - they're going to get agitated at times, like any animal or person, and it's dealt with on a case by case basis.
Obviously, the Horse out ranked both of the other soldiers, since he quite clearly is the one who made the call when to go..he wasn't waiting any longer, lol. Good on him. Only he knew the full urgency. 😉😎👍
Horses have a far more acute sense of hearing and smell than we have. Also, their vision is different. Something we may not be bothered by, such as emergency sirens, may intolerably loud to the horse. Besides the infuriating tourists, that is. Whatever the cause, something is clearly upsetting that horse and it is well done that they took it inside. I think, with the number of tourists now, that the horses are better kept safe and away - they are not machines, after all.
Imagine being tsumamied by all those tourists, each with their own sounds and smells. Perfume, sweat, spices and whatnot. I can get overwhelmed by that, and my senses are minimal compared to that of any horse.
It always amazes me how people just stand there next to a horse that obviously isn’t happy! I mean give the guard space to calm it down. Is that not common sense ?
I know right. So many just stand there watching instead of giving them space. The guards do an amazing job with their horse and can calm them quickly if people would just move back.
Unfortunately you are dealing with very low vibe intelligence here, these types of people usually have a sense of entitlement , a potentially dangerous situation , they probably will treat their children the same, hopefully there is someone in the Administration of Buckingham Palace that might have some intelligence, but then again that might be a stretch too 😖
The tourists let me think of my grade 2 kids when I took them on a trip to the zoo. Walking, staring, talking, touching the horse, taking selfies and be a great annoyance.
🐴🐎THANK YOU Sundance Mom & everyone else who has mentioned the fact that the horses are CLEARLY having issues with the bits!!! This is driving me crazy! Just because they are “Elite Guards” does not mean that everything they do is above reproach! They would probably tell you that they use these particularly tricky bits for a very good reason, but under these circumstances it’s just wrong. And if you have an unhappy, distressed horse around a bunch of clueless tourists.... that seems like a disaster waiting to happen. I really really hope someone who is involved with these horses sees these comments.We’re not idiots. Some of us have a lifetime of experience with horses. I apologize for sounding like a know-it-all. I don’t know everything, but I DO know a lot about horses.
You obviously don’t know enough. The horse was mouthing out of nervousness not necessarily a bit problem. He probably needed to urinate. And seeing as you have a “lifetime with horses” you should’ve at least recognized that. SMH some people don’t know what they don’t know
Have you watched a lot of these videos? Nearly EVERY SINGLE HORSE is mouthy around those bits, almost without exception ! And what makes you so special that you can criticize another persons observation & tell me I’m wrong? Have you gone thru every single comment that mentions a bit problem & told them that “ they obviously don’t know enough”? Do you have first hand experience using these particular double bits?
Povero cavallo, spero non fosse niente di grave. Magari è tutta la gente presente, lo capisco sono così anch'io, a volte in casa da sola, tra me .... e me, trovo che ci sia già troppa folla 😊 AUGURI ❤❤
It’s obvious that the horse is having a problem with the bit. I have seen this many times while watching these guards. One time a tourist had to point it out to the guard.
Horses will toss and shake their heads even with a plain snaffle bit when highly stressed. The guards are very gentle on the reins, and if you watch the video again you'll see even when the horse is playing up the rider uses minimum contact with the bit through the reins. These men are all highly skilled horsemen, they know what they are doing. I agree with previous comments, it's time the disrespectful and ignorant public, who clearly are unaware of the danger they are posing to all concerned, were safely fenced off from the guardsmen and their horses.
And if they don’t take care of where they place the horses tongue, it will really hurt the horses mouth with the huge bit in there. This is Animal abuse.
I was trampled by 6 horses when i was a little girl. They were being chased by a dog and i was in the firing line, i tripped...ouch!!! Theses beautiful animals are extremely powerful (and REALLY heavy) and must be respected! I would never stand within bite range or kick range of these horses but that being said, I can also READ THE BIG SIGN THAT CLEARLY STATES THEY MAY BITE OR KICK!!! You'll never respect the power of a horse until youve seen it (or felt it) for yourself!!
I Love the male voice speaking in an austrian dialect, calling back his daughter (?) Simone, who wants to touch the horse! He explains to her, that the guard has allready pushed the Help button, because the hoars is clearly fretting. He tells her to see if she can pet the hoars of the other guardsman. And I love it, how the young Lady listens to her mentor! Well done!" Felix Austria!" 😍
These lifeguards//kingsguards do such an amazing and honourable service the tourists need to give them space and distance so they can carry out their duties, that horse looked irritated. Much respects to our nations guards. 🐴💂🐴💂🐴💂
At 5:11, the girl gets called to stay away from the horse, because the guard has just pressed the distress- button due to the horse's nervousness. The button is not only for distress/emergency situations, it´s also being used when there is something else he needs assistance with, like problems with the harness for example.
Can't we have a petition for more respect for horse and rider? There should be a distance between them and the public so all feel better!!!❤ It must be torture for those horses, all for an image!! We should complain to the palace. Hope somebody can do the right thing ❤
It’s long past overdue that there should be fenced off to the public. People are so damned entitled these days, plus there are more dangers than ever before.. These guards are doing a serious job they don’t need the distraction of people getting too close for selfies! It’s awful, and I feel so bad for the horses too.
The horse was feeling sick - there was excess saliva around his mouth and he was moving his mouth showing his distress - it must have been awful for the horse to work while being unwell.
The horse would not have been there if there was even a slight doubt about his fitness. They are some of the best kept horses in the world, but those idiots crowding around are enough to try the patience of a saint.
or it's because they have a severe bit in the mouth - I understand the need to quickly control the horses, but they are not being treated well just from the equipment being used. that horse was in pain from it.
@@Chiberia A horse salivates with even a simple bit like a snaffle if they move it in their mouth. Generally horse people are glad of that, it keeps the mouth soft and lubricated. Saliva or foam around the horses mouth doesn't mean the bit is too severe. It might be, but it's no proof.
It's the stress and bit system he had on BUT dumb ass tourists do not read the signage on each side of the horse areas stating that the horses could bite or kick
I noticed the bits in their mouths, some are not properly fitted. I have seen it in several other videos. Sundancemom61, is 100 percent correct! Hope someone in here who can let the commander of the regiment know. It's insane and cruel for the horses. I agree with the comment that it's not enough to have their bits in the mouths driving them crazy but the overwhelming crowds of people, and crazies in the mist of them.
I’m not a horse owner or even a rider anymore, but even I can see the horses are not comfortable with the bits. Your Highness, King Charles, do something for them
Considering the soldiers look after them everyday, all year round, these horse regiments give the best care, the last thing they would do is ignore a horses discomfort.
I don't know how the horses deal with the crowds.... I'm just sitting here watching and all those folks make me nervous. I'm not good in crowds. My hat goes off to both horse and guard.
Some probably never have. So many have never seen a farm animal of any kind. I find this to be very sad. The greatest pleasures of my life was being on farms. These King’s Guard horses have to put up with way too much, IMHO, it’s not natural what they are being asked to do!
People living in the city who don't live on farms or work with horses for one reason or another are unlikely to see horses in their daily lives since it is modern times.
When I moved to the UK from Jersey, it always amazed me how many people had never seen the ocean. I remember going on school and youth club trips and the other kids would get really excited as soon as they’d see it, lol
I have said it before on these videos and I will say it again and continue to say it: it is time that these mounted guards were removed or relocated or protected. Years ago the foot-guards at Buckingham Palace were also on the street and eventually were moved behind the railings as tourists - and I hate to say it but mainly Americans at that time - could not resist trying to make them move or react. One case involved a woman who tried to pluck hairs from a Guardsman's bearskin. This area around Horse Guards is descending into chaos and the sheer number of these videos indicates an unofficial competition to prove something, I know not what. The days of the innocent "snap" are long gone and there are simply too many people. As an absolute minimum the site should be re-designed to get the horse behind gates and away from direct contact with the idiots. The amount of police time wasted would alone be sufficient justification and it is very stressful for both mount and rider.
It is basically so the tourists can take pictures with them in the silly outfits. That's the whole purpose of keeping it traditional otherwise they would just be in real military outfits
It is definitely more chaotic and there is definitely a different attitude now, much more intrusive and entitled. Would be a shame for them to go entirely or be made too remote
we all need to hand it to the guards and their horses. to put up with all this is amazing. I wonder how long they have to stay there before another horse and guard takes over. I would love to have their job 1 day only, just to be with the horses. But a 80 yr old woman with a stallion would guard horse would be fun to watch.
He says that’s, it I have had enough. Done with all the craziness and the people. I’m done! It just amazes me the way people think it’s ok to make things so stressful for horse and guard. They don’t go to their work place and bug the crap out of them.
“Move right along people! This is not a petting zoo” That black sign should say that. These guards have enough to deal with, never knowing how their horses will do for the period of guard time. Then the horses start getting anxious with all the people touching it.
If I stay for 15 mins only, not an hour or two, around so many people who constantly touch me or pose in front of me, I will have anxiety and will kick off immediately. Totally understandable for this lovely horse to become active.
The guards are there for security, not for the amusement of tourists so they should replace the horses with dogs, maybe a German Shepherd. Would anyone dare to touch the dogs?
He actually was unsettled even before the siren. I noticed many of these horses throw their heads up & down a fair amount. Is it due to all the distractions or is it due to boredom? I don’t know for sure. Though they can stand in one place for a while, I for one woud be bored & hate all the attention.
Please secure these guards and horses they are so vulnerable and people are so ignorant. What’s with everyone wanting selfies 🤦♀️just admire them from a distance
I've been there before as a tourist from the USA. I was with a school group that had tour guides and our guides did not encourage us to go up to the horses. We were to give them space. This was in 2014 I see these videos and thank my tour guide
The tourists aren't allowed to touch the horses. The horses are a part of the guard and you are very much not allowed to touch the guard either. So if you touch the horse, you are by extension touching the guard. They are also a tourist attraction as GeorgeBarnes mentioned, but that is not their sole purpose. Those are legitimate guards. They are trained and paid to enforce the security of the location they are guarding. They don't see much action sure, but the are allowed to do the duties of any other guard such as protecting the grounds from intrusion, capturing and dealing with those intruders, etc.
Honestly! You don't need to know much about horses (I certainly don't) to be able to spot one that is visibly unhappy. Why don't people take their brains along when they go for a day out?
It just angers me so much with how much these poor guards and horses have to put up with. Tourists just have no respect for them at all and probably don’t realise they are actually working and not just a tourist attraction. No wonder these beautiful horses act up every now and again. It must be the worst part of the job having to guard the gates.
That depends on the code the emergency. There are people monotoring the guards via cctv who could be there before he pressed the button if they saw something dangerous.
"People; Give the Horse Some Space. for crying out loud" It doesn't matter if the Horse is well trained, or a veteran at the role or whatever; everyone including (Animals) deserves a certain amount of personal space. Nobody likes another person in their face and space, same with (Animals)
Im an American and I would very much like to know why an exemplary soldier, who has been appointed to be a royal guard, mounted on a well bred and spirited horse belonging to the crown, must tolerate being degraded to the level of goats in a petting zoo? It hurts to see this.
Well said.
I agree.
@@NsyShwl You are wrong.
@@NsyShwl these are the Elite Troopers. You have no idea do you? They also work their backsides off behind the scenes before you think they just sit on a horse for 1 hour.
Thank you for your respect for the Guards, even though you are American
Im so glad they have an emergency button, i was a little surprised how long it took somebody to come out to check on him and his horse though. I can imagine how much these horses and guards have to be patient and calm. And i just wish there was some type of barrier to stop people getting too close. Both are stunning in their approach to their duties.
This has been suggested a few times. The reason a barrier wouldn’t work is that it could be dangerous for horse and rider. If the horse spooks, as they do sometimes, a barrier would cause it to panic more and it could cause rider to come off and even the horse to get seriously or fatally injured. But I understand where you’re coming from x
@lesleywilbourne7823 yes but you could have an invisible barrier ie lines around the horse and rider, and have clear instructions not to cross these lines. Yes I know you would get the idiots who don't listen but but for the most part the horses wouldn't be touched and prodded by everyone, and you don't know if somebody is giving the horse something via mouth or skin. I can see on the faces of the riders wondering what people are doing. I'm also nervous when I see people putting their children so close to the horses, sometimes on their own. If the horse decides to bolt they're right in the danger area.
He had to hit the button multiple times because it didn't seem to be working right
The tourists don't seem to care how much they upset the horses.
네 좋아요 접근 차단
Even horses have bad days. The guard did an amazing job contrilling the horse and keeping calm. Hope this horse got a few extra apples and carrots 😊
The sirens were probably very painful to his ears
The horse is fighting the bit. It's a Tom thumb bit and ought to be banned.
Thankfull they are not in New Your. Or the government would Peanut and Fred Them! Justice for Peanut and Fred! The world should know about them
the horsey did not want to work that day
These soldiers are excellent riders. Their ability to keep an agitated horse contained and under control in such a small crowded area are impressive. The tourists don’t even have the sense to step back and quit posing for pictures and videos when the horse is about to lose it.
I have a lot of respect for these soldiers. Their training, their determination, and dedication are phenomenal. To have the patience to sit through throngs of tourists who don't read signs, who don't seem to understand that these soldiers are indeed working soldiers. They aren't for ornamentation. Be respectful to them.
From what I have read, many of these guards have a decorated combat history. Real soldiers who have proven themselves fiercely loyal to the crown.
Not for ornamentation? These soldiers are forced to stand or sit on a horse for hours, rely on someone else to help them when tourists bother them, impact their faces if they faint, wear armor over a century out of date (and a helmet that hinders more than it helps), and carry a sword as a weapon in the 20th+ century. Why even bother with this whole charade if not for looks? The functional, real guards are those in Kevlar with modern weapons, those who can stabd a chance against a threat over 10 feet away. The ones that have to step in to protect these "guards."
These poor people are gaslit into thinking the position is an important one, when they should be allotted actual gear to function as a guard. These people deserve far better if they've worked themselves into the ground to prove their loyalty to their country. I'm not trying to lay into them (they have to put up with so much already), but whoever organizes that program in a manner that was obsolete before they were even born.
I wonder how many of the people that goes up there and have their picture taking, thanks the guard and their horse for doing their job for Crown and Country.
@@Legacy-sw7bv you have no idea what those real guards goes trough
Sensible to take the horse back to the stable, he was very unsettled. It's amazing what they and the troopers have to put up with. The noise, crowds and constant patting is a lot for the horses to cope with, all credit to their riders.😊
The horse was unsettled because the bit in their mouth is very uncomfortable and probably needed adjusting, that's how they control a horse - through pain!
@@harleyboy90210 Thats very sad.
@@harleyboy90210 no, the horse was unsettled due to the police siren, they are used to the bits, they are in no pain they are some of the most well cared horses on the planet
Man everyone's a genie ass
@@harleyboy90210 not true you obviously don't know what you are talking about, the control from the bit is a light pressure on the horses mouth and not through pain get your facts right.
I really wish there was a wde exclusion zone around these Guardsmen and Horses. Space and respect by tourists would help a lot.
Yes, I SO AGREE!!
So agree
For Security Reasons, I’m amazed they allow the public So close!! Needs to be a barrier!!!
Makes total sense. We have seen these horses being pawed too many times now. There is no need for people to be this close anyway.
The horse was getting really upset
These horses are well looked after and trained, but like all living animals they get pissed off to, that guard knew the horse was not happy. That’s shows good horsemanship 👍🏻🇬🇧
Horse was fighting the bit. He wasn't comfortable on this day. Better they put him back in the barn.
@@suemcmenamin4997 He could have been thirsty, who knows, either way horse wasn't feeling it and wanted to leave.
the siren set him off....they need to remember that horses like dogs are suspebtible to certain noises
Yeah, that's an environment I won't willingly go to.
They may need to adjust that harness. He was very uncomfortable with that snaffle bit.
I'm not a horse woman and could see the horse was in some sort of distress by his agitated manner. The soldier did a good job trying to control the situation on his own while help was coming. I liked the point when the horse said, "nope! I'm outa here!" 😀
What beautiful and graceful horses i had 4 horses growing up and i loved them so much being with my horses was my favorite part of the day i spent more time with my horses then i did people they help with my anxiety and depression so much
The behaviour of tourists has changed a lot over the past 30 years. When my cousin was in the Lifeguards (one of the two division of the Household Cavalry) tourists were respectful, quiet and kept their distance. Now that his son is in the same regiment it has really changed: there are far more tourists and they don't seem to know how to behave in general, and around horses in particular.
I agree completely. I’m British and when I used to be taken up to London as a child we used to see the guards and horses. You wouldn’t dare try to talk to them or go near them. Things are vastly different now and not for the better either. IMO people years ago were more respectful generally - as a child I used to refer to adults as Mr/Mrs X not by their first names. Also tourism was a lot less decades ago. Now every man and his dog can travel the globe leading to places struggling with over-tourism and lots of people congregating in certain areas of certain cities. Linked to this - many people are not used to travelling to other countries and see no reason to respect another country’s heritage. I used to live in Rome back in the day. It was a time when more people were being able to book holidays abroad. Visitors from certain countries were not respectful of Italian culture whatsoever and were pretty awful. I also think people now, instead of enjoying an experience, want to take vids and selfies to post on social media which leads to all sorts of problems including being intrusive, rude etc.
I loved going to see them when I was a kid. My dad was in the army and taught us they were in guard and not to talk to the guards. I stand next to the horse, have a picture taken. I always said thank you to the guard and horse after. I still like to visit them when I'm in London
It’s all about the photos for social media now unfortunately
I went to London 25-30 years ago. And yes, the tourists were very respectful of the Royal Guards and their horses. Nobody yelled or laughed loudly. Nobody tried to pet them. Nobody made jokes about the men or the horses.
I have strong thoughts about this- all in agreement with you. So I will just get to finish by saying this...
The Guards and their horses are on duty. I am American so please correct me if I wrong, but these are soldiers serving their country. People don't know or care about that.
That is what makes me angry.
Thank you for your comment. I am sorry for the long winded reply.
@amandaely9983 So true. To be so absorbed in photo ops and focused on angling for the "perfect" photo and video..
While not noticing or caring that the living being you are focusing on is highly anxious and distressed...just for that social media photo op..
Ugh. I think my brain cells just shorted out.
I will say it again.......hang sign : Do Not Touch the Horse..... Stand Back....then, post a policeman close to enforce...these men (police) just stand around in a group (inside the gate) chatting, and/or opening /shutting gates...AND, move the crowds back at least 15 feet, no ifs or buts...DO IT...
Kudos to the King's Guards for their dedication.... Thank You for your Service~~~
they are MP, they have zero powers outside the gates, you can not stop people from using a public footpath on public property.
Actually touching a horse brings a very real sense of joy and wonder to nearly everybody. It would be a shame if touching or being near these horses were forbidden and would remove an important reason these ancient Royal rituals continue in their popularity with both the natives and the visitors from abroad. When my lady friend and I go riding in a nearby park open to hikers and horses, we always stop for the kids and give them sugar cubes so that they can experience the special joy and the reality of these huge animals that have served us throughout history.
You do realize people ignore signs all the time, right?
@@oldgeezerproductionsyes most people do enjoy being around horses. But to me it’s very disrespectful to the guards and their horses to get so close and in their face. Respect their boundaries. Do you get that same joy stressing a horse that could cause harm to itself or others? Put yourself in their place. You don’t know any of these people, you don’t understand what and why they keep getting too close. Touching you, grabbing at you, over and over again. The guardsmen and their horses deserve a lot more respect, they’ve earned it.
@@katz734 These are trained, mature horses and are very well used to being around human beings. They allow saddles to be placed on their backs, metal bits to be put in their mouths and riders weighing well over 100 pounds to sit for hours on their backs. In many cases horses like to be be touched and stroked and have people close enough to smell them -- it gives them something to do, especially when just standing there, bored to death.
When my friends and I are out riding in a multi-use park near my stables or riding on the beach, we stop for groups of kids and give them sugar cubes so that they can experience the reality of live horses and interact with them. This not only brings joy to the kids, but teaches them that there other creatures in the world besides other humans.
Allowing this interaction is an important reason why those guards with their shiny sabers and their gaudy uniforms are there, to give British citizens and money-bringing visitors a taste of Royal Grandeur, a wonderful opportunity to observe pageantry and interact with that pageantry to a reasonable extent. That people want to pet the horses is an expression of their love for the animals and by proxy, an appreciation for the horse's rider.
Having said all that, I do agree that touching the reins is and should be strictly forbidden because pulling on the reins, and thus the bit in the mouth, is a signal for action and control and may startle the horse into movements that are wrong for the situation. As long as the public doesn't interfere with the control of the horse, they can pet and show affection all they want and I'm absolutely sure the Guards would agree.
I’ve been a horsewoman for almost 50 years. From what I can see, the horses are wearing double bridles, which means there are two bits in their mouths; a mild snaffle (the “O” shaped ring) and a more severe curb bit (the “S” shaped bit). Or, a Pelham bit. The Guards are holding onto the curb rein, which gives a more severe check than the snaffle. Plus, from what I also witness, the bits may be too large in length. I’ve also noticed most of the horses toss their heads, and constantly play with the bits, which tells me they are not comfortable. One horse, in another video, even got his tongue over the bits (the tongue must remain under the bits), which means the Guard no longer has control of the horse, which can be dangerous. These horses not only have to deal with uncomfortable bits, they also have countless tourists approaching them, petting them, grabbing the reins, etc., it’s no wonder some of these horses don’t look happy. 😢
Yes, I’m no expert when it comes to Horses but I also thought the horse was troubled with his mouth..if they have all that gear in their mouth that you mentioned it’s little wonder they act up at times and then they have the never ending crowds to cope with.
You are so right in all counts. Feel sorry for the horses.
I totally agree, and have in earlier videos commented this type of gear due to animal cruelty laws are banned in many countries. The argument against it is “if it was bad for the horse they wouldn’t do it”, and, “this is the horse guards, specialist in what they do”. It’s just ridiculous, as anyone can see the mouth gear are so often the problem for these horses - not the public!
As a US soldier stationed in West Germany in 1955, I was on guard duty one evening outside the PX when a man fell to the ground, maybe from too much beer. I leaned down to look more closely at him, when a German girl, a guest tried to take hold of my rifle I think to assist me. I had to push her away with the rifle. Maybe she, too, had been drinking a bit too much. She should have known better. God help me, if I had let her take hold of my M-1! I would surely have faced a general court martial.
People do stupid things. The best thing to do when a guard is on duty is to stay away from him, be he the King's Guard or any other! I think the King's Guard is too obliging to tourists. If they are serious about protecting the King and the palace, tourists should be kept away. There is a contradiction in using the palace as a tourist site and protecting it with mounted guards.
I thought so too. I think they need to be behind the gates. People aren't respectful anymore.
It’s wonderful to see that they do have a safe button for situations like this. The guard did amazing at keeping calm and understanding the body language of the horse that something was off for whatever reason it was, weather it was overwhelming amounts of people around, or the loud emergency siren around the time the horse started acting up, or something completely different. I can see why theres a beware sign of the horses can kick, most people don’t know they can severely hurt you or even kill you if kicked the right way, and this horse showed signs of why to keep distance since it looked like he could have kicked easily from being upset from whatever it was.
When are the powers that be going to stop the blatant abuse of our fantastic guards and their beautiful horses?
I agree. These guards and their well trained mounts are doing their job. The poor horses are so in control amidst this onslaught of gawping people who, many, have no manners or respect....all to get a stupid picture. I wish they weren't allowed within 75 feet of the areas.
To think they have to stay in position and put up with human stupidity for 1h... This has to be one of the most stressful work shifts in the whole world... Honour and respect to the Guards and their horses.
I am from Argentina and English is my second language. I honour Life and feel deeply attached to moral values. I volunteer for different pro-human and non-human animals and environmental NGOs. I believe Spiritual Knowledge and Education allow us to become the best version of ourselves. I see Existence as a whole that includes diversity and wonders. I respect cultures and I think no life is insignificant. And I love Britain. Love and Good Vibes to everyone. Namaste.🤗
@@megaalvon3060Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 😊
One hour of hell for soldier and horse
@@David-ng7cr Thank you very much!
@@megaalvon3060cantinfleaste demasiado dijiste tanto para terminar diciendo nada, pense que dirias algo sobre el comportamiento nocivo de esa gentuza no me merecen ningun respeto es gente muy burra.
The guard knew that horse was about to play up, they can tell by the way the horse’s bodies tense up and the head throwing. Those guards are so in tune with their horses it’s wonderful. ❤
Play up wrong word..yourself imagine a horse sat on you you'd panic you'd be very anxious
@@mandythompson8845 do you always talk crap? 😂
Ooops Nana J..don't need to as your head seems down the toilet..too
Exactly. If you think horses don’t talk, watch a class where a horse trainer explains what every movement means.
The horse was stressed and in discomfort for a long time. He let his rider know repeatedly that something was wrong, but was being ignored. Horses are barely contained insanity. Ignore their distress to your peril.
Here he is one of my favourite guards so laid back but misses nothing lovely horse lovely guard as always❤❤🐴🐴👍👍🍺
That’s cause guards and horses no longer matter…only tourists feelings.
I wonder if he was commenting to the guy who came out if the buzzer was working? It was a bit slow just incase it was a real major issue.
Horse knows if he misbehaves, he gets to get away from the crowds...smart guy 😂
6:47 the way the soldier outs his hand on the horse to show him respect is so beautiful they truly love and cherish their horses they know how important they are to the palace
I don't understand why there is no barrier that keeps the tourists at an appropriate distance from the horses. Apparently they think that the warning sign doesn't apply to them. I can only imagine how relieved the horses and guards are when they go off duty!
I think it’s because if the horse panics and tries to bolt, a barrier would increase the chances of injury to horse and rider. But there could be painted lines on the floor with a £30 fine every time someone crossed it.
Plus the horses really are on guard duty and need to be able to move towards a threat when/if it happens.
As much as these gaurds are working, they are also a major draw for tourism. Plus the Royal family in this modern era has tried to pride itself on being accessible as possible to the public. His majesty's armed forces are considered an important part of bridging the public closer to the Windsor household. Unfortunately in the past few years, the respect shown by his majesty's gaurds to the public has not been reciprocated. Unfortunately I do think that at some point there will be barriers between gaurds and the public. Just these past few years I have seen more incidents involving the public blockading his majesty's armed forces from carrying out thier day to day duty. People pulling on riegns, people jumping on the railings of Buckingham Palace, children tripping up gaurds at Edinburgh Castle. When a guardsman even hadls to utter a decibel during his duty, you know that the public have forgotten common decency and respect
How else are they supposed to take a picture with a horse? It's not like you can find them just anywhere you know...
@@mikoto7693good luck handing out the fines. If you really care and don’t want tourists to treat your guards as tourists, then stop putting them in these type of clothing and being so close to tourists
Thank goodness these King's Guards have that panic button. That is one horse that has had enough. And who could blame him.
Its not a damn petting zoo!! Drives me mad constantly seeing this....LEAVE THEM ALONE! ❤🇬🇧❤️
well, in their defense, that’s actually with the horses, therefore, for the entertainment of thetourist horse wasn’t having it
Very well then, those ignorant peasants shall cease to do it at once, your highness.
What I said as well in many videos. I am so sick of seeing it. And oblivious parents letting their kids pet them like it was some kinda zoo sickens me me. I don't blame the kids, just the parents, and adults doing the same should know better.
Amen!!!
These men and women are soldiers who are operational and ceremonial. They guard our monarch and defend our country on the battlefield, they deserve the utmost respect as given by foreign nationals to their military
I am SO impressed that the mounted guards are able to keep their mounts as calm as they do. Everyone (horse and human) has an off day. Quickly resolve with a minimum of fuss.
I'm so glad Guard took the horse back to the stable and take all that gear off of him and let him just rest for a while and get something to eat and drink, replacing with a different horse. The horse was starting to get very stressed out with all those people and it's very understandable.
nothing to with with the people, the sirens triggered the horse.
The horses are used to crowds believe me.
@@georgebarnes8163 The acoustics inside the arch where they are standing are much different. The horse would experience the siren much differently as the noises bounce off the stone walls behind him. The horse wanted out of that confined area.
This guard showed true horsemanship. To fully understand and read his horse's emotions is rare in horsemanship these days.
No it's not, there are great carers in literally all parts of the world, just because you're to ignorant to see or acknowledge that is no one's fault but yours
@@bigbay1159 no need to get so hostile about it.
@@bigbay1159Take a chill pill
@@bigbay1159 what the hell is your problem? There is always one in every crowd and your certainly it! I merely commented excellent horsemanship and you want to take this compliment and been a TOTAL ASS. Go find someone else to argue with. Better yet find a hobby to release your frustration. Seems to me many agree with my compliment to this guard.
@@Carol-wq9fr thank you. He is just frustrated that he wasn't the first one to comment on this guards excellent horsemanship. 😂😂😂
personally i think there should bepolice man stood nearer to them to help keep stupid tourists away
I totally agree
а платить за полицейского будешь ты?
@@MopaHa13 they're the royal family, they have the money.
@@nobbyfirefly57 ты глупый? откуда у эксплуататоров деньги? правильно. из твоего кармана. ну раз капиталист нанял частную армию за "свои" деньги, то вопросов нет? есть! откуда деньги?
@@MopaHa13 we’re not asking where the money came from.
It’s the amount of money that matters when paying for something, along with the money not being forged.
The business don’t care if it’s morally good or not.
Take a look at BlackRock for example, they’re making everything woke for tax write offs and stuff.
Like it’s fine to have something woke, just not in people’s faces. It needs to be natural, not artificially forced in.
To all the people commenting on the bits. These bits only look harsh, it's for appearances... inside you will find a copper piece which causes the horse to keep a moist, soft mouth, sometimes even a frothy appearance. They enjoy rolling the little copper piece in their mouths. This horse was throwing it's head, but if you notice, it also had to go poop and could have been having a lot of other issues as seen by the head wanting to go around and rub it's belly and not being allowed to do so caused it more stress. I don't think the bit was the cause of this episode, I think the horse did not feel well. No one will ever know because it will be just marked down in the everyday life in the journals inside the stable. A replacement will arrive shortly after the video.
I'm an American too and i apologize for our bad tourists. It makes us all look bad. I love you guys.
Some Americans could be better behaved abroad but Europe has also has its fair share of idiotic tourists. If anything, budget airlines are to blame. The world's idiots are on the loose.
You don't have to apologise. It's not exclusively Americans and I for one love it that most American tourists take a deep and genuine interest in our history.
@@tobyburns9994 I do like the history and I like the history of the royals. I consider us cousins and wish we were still together.
Oh, if you watch a few of these videos, you will hear lots of different languages.
The horse is clearly not happy and yet the people still stand there gawking.
LMFAO
They're thick.
Who is the guard to the left he's my fav he's handsome
Idiots haven't got a braincells between em infact they haven't got the brain of a gnat the tourist are as thick as two short planks n have nowt upstairs n a sandwich short of a picnic lol I'll leave at that you'll get the jyst lol
They all hate those bits. For a detail of standing they should use simple snaffle!! It’s all about pretty not comfort. Too many throw their heads up all the time.
These guards and their horses are so patient with all this frenzied attention by sightseers. My hat goes off to them. Can't they see how disturbing they are to that poor horse .
I think they should do something. The horse is quite agitated. The noise,the tourists,the endless touching,horses’ space is even disrespected. There must be a red line. It’s just too much for both horses and guards.😢 Just saying.
I remember when I was a kid living nearby in the 60s I used to love seeing the guards and the pagentry but the crowds were smaller around the Horse Guards' and the people weren't so cheeky and were more respectful.
Look how beautiful them horses are they are taken care of so well look gow beautiful and slick their fur is and the tail cut and brushed beautifully....amazing
In my country we have royal guards too but nobody dares to come near them.. our level of respect is totally different.
What country do you live in?
Levels of respect are not exclusive or particular to a country! I seriously doubt many of those wanting selfies with the horseguards were British nationals anyway. This is something that foreign tourists tend to do on their sightseeing trips. I'm British and Ive walked past Buckingham palace hundreds of times, the average Brit wouldnt stop for a selfie here.
@@skybluegb I see a lot of Asian tourists trying to grab the reins in these videos.
The only "ceremonial" guards in the USA I know if guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It would be unwise to mess with them and especially disrespect the Tomb. I suspect they have a certain amount of... leeway... when it comes to resolving issues.
Respect has nothing to do with it - if the UK admins didn't want tourists around the guards and horses they would say so and put a stop to it. Instead, they actually encourage it as 'public relations'. Expecting a horse to act like an emotionless robot is unreasonable - they're going to get agitated at times, like any animal or person, and it's dealt with on a case by case basis.
Enough is enough! Stress is no fun ❤
👍
Need a yellow line around the horse.The public keep out of this space.q
For the safety of the public, the soldiers and the horses, people should not be allowed to get so close to those beautiful animals!!
Obviously, the Horse out ranked both of the other soldiers, since he quite clearly is the one who made the call when to go..he wasn't waiting any longer, lol. Good on him. Only he knew the full urgency. 😉😎👍
I almost teared up in appreciation for this soldier's attention to his steed 🥰
Horses have a far more acute sense of hearing and smell than we have. Also, their vision is different. Something we may not be bothered by, such as emergency sirens, may intolerably loud to the horse. Besides the infuriating tourists, that is. Whatever the cause, something is clearly upsetting that horse and it is well done that they took it inside. I think, with the number of tourists now, that the horses are better kept safe and away - they are not machines, after all.
Imagine being tsumamied by all those tourists, each with their own sounds and smells. Perfume, sweat, spices and whatnot. I can get overwhelmed by that, and my senses are minimal compared to that of any horse.
It always amazes me how people just stand there next to a horse that obviously isn’t happy! I mean give the guard space to calm it down. Is that not common sense ?
I know right. So many just stand there watching instead of giving them space. The guards do an amazing job with their horse and can calm them quickly if people would just move back.
Sadly Jenn, these fools have no sense at all, whether it be common or not.
Typical tourist is severely lacking in common sense, regardless of nationality. Typical tourist is city bred & born--animals are a rare sight
Most, if not all of these people have little if no common sense. Case in point.. that bunch of kids.
Unfortunately you are dealing with very low vibe intelligence here, these types of people usually have a sense of entitlement , a potentially dangerous situation , they probably will treat their children the same, hopefully there is someone in the Administration of Buckingham Palace that might have some intelligence, but then again that might be a stretch too 😖
Long day and then that rotten siren, I think our equine soldier said “enough, take me back to my room thank you”. 👍🇦🇺
More people need to take more respect for them. They serve their country like United States and other👍
These horses are experiencing terrible stress! It's also lucky that the guards are good!
Have seen that horse before, he’s so beautiful.
The tourists let me think of my grade 2 kids when I took them on a trip to the zoo. Walking, staring, talking, touching the horse, taking selfies and be a great annoyance.
🐴🐎THANK YOU Sundance Mom & everyone else who has mentioned the fact that the horses are CLEARLY having issues with the bits!!! This is driving me crazy! Just because they are “Elite Guards” does not mean that everything they do is above reproach! They would probably tell you that they use these particularly tricky bits for a very good reason, but under these circumstances it’s just wrong. And if you have an unhappy, distressed horse around a bunch of clueless tourists.... that seems like a disaster waiting to happen. I really really hope someone who is involved with these horses sees these comments.We’re not idiots. Some of us have a lifetime of experience with horses. I apologize for sounding like a know-it-all. I don’t know everything, but I DO know a lot about horses.
You obviously don’t know enough. The horse was mouthing out of nervousness not necessarily a bit problem. He probably needed to urinate. And seeing as you have a “lifetime with horses” you should’ve at least recognized that. SMH some people don’t know what they don’t know
Have you watched a lot of these videos? Nearly EVERY SINGLE HORSE is mouthy around those bits, almost without exception ! And what makes you so special that you can criticize another persons observation & tell me I’m wrong? Have you gone thru every single comment that mentions a bit problem & told them that “ they obviously don’t know enough”? Do you have first hand experience using these particular double bits?
Povero cavallo, spero non fosse niente di grave.
Magari è tutta la gente presente, lo capisco sono così anch'io, a volte in casa da sola, tra me .... e me, trovo che ci sia già troppa folla 😊
AUGURI ❤❤
Thank goodness all are safe! ❤ Well done all!
It’s obvious that the horse is having a problem with the bit. I have seen this many times while watching these guards. One time a tourist had to point it out to the guard.
They hate these bits
The horse certainly isn’t happy with that bit. I wonder if his mouth is sore.
Nah. It was trying to bite at its shoulder. Very normal behavior when being bitten by a horsefly.
Horses will toss and shake their heads even with a plain snaffle bit when highly stressed. The guards are very gentle on the reins, and if you watch the video again you'll see even when the horse is playing up the rider uses minimum contact with the bit through the reins. These men are all highly skilled horsemen, they know what they are doing. I agree with previous comments, it's time the disrespectful and ignorant public, who clearly are unaware of the danger they are posing to all concerned, were safely fenced off from the guardsmen and their horses.
Anything on the horse is regulation horse guards issue. It is possible that one of the idiots tried to pull the reigns and hurt the horse
And if they don’t take care of where they place the horses tongue, it will really hurt the horses mouth with the huge bit in there. This is Animal abuse.
@@MsLouisVeeNo abuse, this started when the horse heard the siren. Guards take good care of their horses .
I was trampled by 6 horses when i was a little girl. They were being chased by a dog and i was in the firing line, i tripped...ouch!!! Theses beautiful animals are extremely powerful (and REALLY heavy) and must be respected! I would never stand within bite range or kick range of these horses but that being said, I can also READ THE BIG SIGN THAT CLEARLY STATES THEY MAY BITE OR KICK!!! You'll never respect the power of a horse until youve seen it (or felt it) for yourself!!
I Love the male voice speaking in an austrian dialect, calling back his daughter (?) Simone, who wants to touch the horse!
He explains to her, that the guard has allready pushed the Help button, because the hoars is clearly fretting.
He tells her to see if she can pet the hoars of the other guardsman. And I love it, how the young Lady listens to her mentor! Well done!" Felix Austria!" 😍
Hi sweet beautiful horse we love you 😊
shocked at how long it took to get a response - anything could have been happening!
Я тоже обратила внимание, что на сигнал тревожной кнопки очень долго не было ответа!(
There are CCTV cameras covering the guards, so if it really was an emergency, they would be out there rather qiucker.
@@PeterMaddison2483 glad to hear this - it was unnerving me just watching
I had been feeling the same way so I'm glad to hear about the CCTV
It was about 1 minute.
I don’t like to see the horses stressed and the guards do a great job controlling them. 👍👍🥰🥰💕❤️❤️🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Horse is fine
These lifeguards//kingsguards do such an amazing and honourable service the tourists need to give them space and distance so they can carry out their duties, that horse looked irritated. Much respects to our nations guards. 🐴💂🐴💂🐴💂
Yes Yes Yes💟👍👍👍
At 5:11, the girl gets called to stay away from the horse, because the guard has just pressed the distress- button due to the horse's nervousness.
The button is not only for distress/emergency situations, it´s also being used when there is something else he needs assistance with, like problems with the harness for example.
I'm a American. This behavior discusts me. God bless you young soldier and your horse.
Can't we have a petition for more respect for horse and rider?
There should be a distance between them and the public so all feel better!!!❤
It must be torture for those horses, all for an image!!
We should complain to the palace.
Hope somebody can do the right thing ❤
Ridiculous, overwhelming, mobbing of the horses and guards for attention needy inconsiderate persons......
Well that is what these tourist attractions are for.
It’s long past overdue that there should be fenced off to the public. People are so damned entitled these days, plus there are more dangers than ever before.. These guards are doing a serious job they don’t need the distraction of people getting too close for selfies! It’s awful, and I feel so bad for the horses too.
Holy Jesu Cristo! Just how in the hell do these horses deal with the crowd and the sound! I'm human and it would drive me f'ing crazy!
Love the tradition but clearly the guys in black with the guns are the real security.
Yes, and they report directly to the queens guard.
Actually the panic button was in response to his horse being freaked out by the sirens going by…not the tourists on this occasion
It was neither of that.
@@persephionie7412 What was it then ?
The horse was feeling sick - there was excess saliva around his mouth and he was moving his mouth showing his distress - it must have been awful for the horse to work while being unwell.
The horse would not have been there if there was even a slight doubt about his fitness. They are some of the best kept horses in the world, but those idiots crowding around are enough to try the patience of a saint.
or it's because they have a severe bit in the mouth - I understand the need to quickly control the horses, but they are not being treated well just from the equipment being used. that horse was in pain from it.
@@Chiberia A horse salivates with even a simple bit like a snaffle if they move it in their mouth. Generally horse people are glad of that, it keeps the mouth soft and lubricated. Saliva or foam around the horses mouth doesn't mean the bit is too severe. It might be, but it's no proof.
It's the stress and bit system he had on BUT dumb ass tourists do not read the signage on each side of the horse areas stating that the horses could bite or kick
No
I noticed the bits in their mouths, some are not properly fitted. I have seen it in several other videos. Sundancemom61, is 100 percent correct! Hope someone in here who can let the commander of the regiment know. It's insane and cruel for the horses. I agree with the comment that it's not enough to have their bits in the mouths driving them crazy but the overwhelming crowds of people, and crazies in the mist of them.
I’m not a horse owner or even a rider anymore, but even I can see the horses are not comfortable with the bits. Your Highness, King Charles, do something for them
@@pamz7531
It was his Mother the Queen who loved horses.
I think Charles likes them but not with the same passion as she did. 😢
@@veronicacrabtreehill6608 Whether he likes them or not, he should see that they are cared for. Too many of them are uncomfortable. 😪
Considering the soldiers look after them everyday, all year round, these horse regiments give the best care, the last thing they would do is ignore a horses discomfort.
Very thoughtful of the guard to offer releave to his mount! Well done!
That little boy doing the sign of the cross in hope he survives the horse made me chuckle 🤭
I don't know how the horses deal with the crowds.... I'm just sitting here watching and all those folks make me nervous. I'm not good in crowds. My hat goes off to both horse and guard.
It looks like some people have never sen a REAL horse in their lives
Some probably never have. So many have never seen a farm animal of any kind. I find this to be very sad. The greatest pleasures of my life was being on farms. These King’s Guard horses have to put up with way too much, IMHO, it’s not natural what they are being asked to do!
Some haven’t 🤷♀️for different reasons
People living in the city who don't live on farms or work with horses for one reason or another are unlikely to see horses in their daily lives since it is modern times.
When I moved to the UK from Jersey, it always amazed me how many people had never seen the ocean.
I remember going on school and youth club trips and the other kids would get really excited as soon as they’d see it, lol
I have said it before on these videos and I will say it again and continue to say it: it is time that these mounted guards were removed or relocated or protected. Years ago the foot-guards at Buckingham Palace were also on the street and eventually were moved behind the railings as tourists - and I hate to say it but mainly Americans at that time - could not resist trying to make them move or react. One case involved a woman who tried to pluck hairs from a Guardsman's bearskin.
This area around Horse Guards is descending into chaos and the sheer number of these videos indicates an unofficial competition to prove something, I know not what. The days of the innocent "snap" are long gone and there are simply too many people. As an absolute minimum the site should be re-designed to get the horse behind gates and away from direct contact with the idiots. The amount of police time wasted would alone be sufficient justification and it is very stressful for both mount and rider.
It is basically so the tourists can take pictures with them in the silly outfits. That's the whole purpose of keeping it traditional otherwise they would just be in real military outfits
It is definitely more chaotic and there is definitely a different attitude now, much more intrusive and entitled. Would be a shame for them to go entirely or be made too remote
Want to go straight to the push button scene instead of waiting click here
[ 4:48 ]
we all need to hand it to the guards and their horses. to put up with all this is amazing. I wonder how long they have to stay there before another horse and guard takes over. I would love to have their job 1 day only, just to be with the horses. But a 80 yr old woman with a stallion would guard horse would be fun to watch.
He says that’s, it I have had enough. Done with all the craziness and the people. I’m done! It just amazes me the way people think it’s ok to make things so stressful for horse and guard. They don’t go to their work place and bug the crap out of them.
I think the response was quick. Poor horse a bit frisky. No wonder with all the noise and tourists
“Move right along people! This is not a petting zoo” That black sign should say that. These guards have enough to deal with, never knowing how their horses will do for the period of guard time. Then the horses start getting anxious with all the people touching it.
that sweet human child that prayed to god that the horse dont bite him made my day !
If I stay for 15 mins only, not an hour or two, around so many people who constantly touch me or pose in front of me, I will have anxiety and will kick off immediately. Totally understandable for this lovely horse to become active.
The guards are there for security, not for the amusement of tourists so they should replace the horses with dogs, maybe a German Shepherd. Would anyone dare to touch the dogs?
Yes the tourists would touch the dog. Unfortunately. They need a dog with the horses
they are not security, they are a tourist attraction and nothing else, the Military police in the black uniforms are the security
He actually was unsettled even before the siren. I noticed many of these horses throw their heads up & down a fair amount. Is it due to all the distractions or is it due to boredom? I don’t know for sure. Though they can stand in one place for a while, I for one woud be bored & hate all the attention.
Please secure these guards and horses they are so vulnerable and people are so ignorant. What’s with everyone wanting selfies 🤦♀️just admire them from a distance
I'm not a monarchist but I luv the mounted life guards and their magnificent and beautiful horses.🇦🇺🙋♂️🇦🇺
I've been there before as a tourist from the USA. I was with a school group that had tour guides and our guides did not encourage us to go up to the horses. We were to give them space. This was in 2014
I see these videos and thank my tour guide
What is the Point of an emergency button if it takes so long to respond ?
just one minute........ what's the problem? It takes longer waiting for an ambulance😬.
@@renetaat it might have been an entirely different situation.
If that Horse had Bolted it could have caused serious injury .
It was 1 minute. That's from the stable block in another part of the building, across the yard etc. What do you expect? Teleportation? 😄
@@charlie4739 what your point....? What do you expect? speed of light?
@@renetaat Yes, it could have been a Terrorist incident , we know only too well how quickly they happen.
Mounted Guards need a clearly defined safety perimeter where the public is not allowed. I think maybe 15 feet and a corridor for egress and access.
I don't understand the obsession of people having photos taken with the soldiers and horses. They shouldn't be allowed to touch the horses.
maybe because these guards and horses are a tourist attraction, that is their sole purpose.
The tourists aren't allowed to touch the horses. The horses are a part of the guard and you are very much not allowed to touch the guard either. So if you touch the horse, you are by extension touching the guard. They are also a tourist attraction as GeorgeBarnes mentioned, but that is not their sole purpose. Those are legitimate guards. They are trained and paid to enforce the security of the location they are guarding. They don't see much action sure, but the are allowed to do the duties of any other guard such as protecting the grounds from intrusion, capturing and dealing with those intruders, etc.
Horse is clearly agitated and others clearly clueless. Well done soldiers! ❤
For those who wanna see it it starts at 4:06
That poor horse is not happy,and should be taken inside. Just look at him !!!!
Help certainly takes its time to arrive
It didn't take that long. Tourist just don't step out of the way to let them through.
Honestly! You don't need to know much about horses (I certainly don't) to be able to spot one that is visibly unhappy. Why don't people take their brains along when they go for a day out?
What a pooring job, theese horses have to do. I think it mirrors the pooring job people have to do for the pooring majesty
I wonder if anyone actually bothers to thanks these soldiers and their beautiful horses for doing this job. I hope they do.
Their job is only to be background for stupid selfies.
It just angers me so much with how much these poor guards and horses have to put up with. Tourists just have no respect for them at all and probably don’t realise they are actually working and not just a tourist attraction. No wonder these beautiful horses act up every now and again. It must be the worst part of the job having to guard the gates.
The horse will let you know when a break is required
So how long does it take for someone to come to the aid of this 2nd guard?? ❤❤🐴🐴
That have to come through several gates. The place is huge then when they get to the square they have to get past tourists who won’t move.
That depends on the code the emergency. There are people monotoring the guards via cctv who could be there before he pressed the button if they saw something dangerous.
"People; Give the Horse Some Space. for crying out loud" It doesn't matter if the Horse is well trained, or a veteran at the role or whatever; everyone including (Animals) deserves a certain amount of personal space. Nobody likes another person in their face and space, same with (Animals)
Much respect for the guard that kept the horse from trampling people.. it was clearly quickly going out of control.