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Friday, October 26, 2012
Troop Leader, Captain Charlie FitzRoy is kissed by Thomas, a 22 year old gelding and one of the oldest horses in the Household Cavalry, who will be retiring after 19 years of service, in Hyde Park on October 26, 2012 in London, England. The army horse is famous for giving kisses to the men of the Life Guard Squadron in his stables at Hyde Park Barracks. When offered a polo or apple Thomas will deliver huge sloppy kisses in gratitude for his treat. He has kissed colonels, weather girls and celebrities. Before the Diamond Jubilee he took a liking to TV Presenter Phillip Schofield. He has served on numerous state occasions including the Golden Jubilee, the latest Royal Wedding and now the Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympics. Next week Thomas will find rest in Berkshire with Farrier Corporal of Horse Michael Woods. Michael, a serving Household Cavalryman and trained farrier, fell in love with Thomas when he rode him as a Trooper on first joining the regiment. Michael has forged a strong bond with Thomas over the years. Michael said: "He's a warrior horse. He never complains or makes a fuss. He just gets on with the job and makes us look good on parade. That's what's important at the end of the day."
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