The Farrier of the Household Cavalry (colour photo)

The Farrier of the Household Cavalry. The Household Cavalry, composed of the Life Guards and the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues), are known to all visitors to London on account of the many ceremonial duties they perform. They provide the sentries at the Horse Guards, Whitehall, where their traditional uniform of steel cuirass, plumed helmet and jack boots is the object of much admiration. To the Household Cavalry falls the honour of providing royal escorts, the size of the escort depending upon the importance of the occasion. A picturesque member of the larger escorts is the Farrier. Conspicuous by reason of his black-plumed helmet and his huge axe, he may be seen bringing up the rear of these State processions. Illustration for one of a set of 50 cigarette cards on the subject of Interesting Customs and Traditions of the Navy, Army and Airforce issued by Lambert & Butler in 1939.