Veteran drum horse to win achievement award

3:55pm Thursday 14th August 2008

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An achievement award is to be presented at Olympia this year to a veteran drum horse in the Veteran Horse Society’s championships.

Sparticus, an 18-year-old, has won this award for his achievements since joining the Army 13 years ago as a five-year-old, and he is still going strong.

A stalwart drum horse, Sparticus’ duties include taking part in all ceremonial events and musical ride performances in the UK and overseas – his job has even taken him to a frozen lake in Zurich.

Although his life is very different to that of the average horse, Sparticus still enjoys the simple things in life such as having his withers scratched when being groomed. He has a great character and will often take the opportunity to sneak a little trot if the drummer is not paying enough attention.

An ideal soldier, he has had very little time off through illness and is generally very fit.

Thankfully he is not yet ready to retire as he is still needed for at least another three years. To see Sparticus receive his award you can book tickets for the presentation which will be held at Olympia on December 21. For booking information, please call 0844 4124634 or visit olympiashowjumping.com