The horses earn their keep by supporting the work of the Royal Household, particularly during ceremonial events.

Horses pulling a large carriage known as a ‘covered brake’ collect the Yeoman of the Guard in their distinctive red uniforms from St James’s Palace for Investitures at Buckingham Palace; High Commissioners or Ambassadors are driven to their Audiences with The Queen in State or Semi-State Landaus; visiting Heads of State are transported to and from official arrival ceremonies and members of the Royal Family are driven in Royal Mews carriages during Trooping the Colour, the Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle and carriage processions at the beginning of each day of Royal Ascot.

The horses are also given regular exercise in the London streets and in the Mews’ indoor riding and can be seen pulling a Clarence which takes post from Buckingham Palace to St James’s Palace.

Some Mews horses are regularly ridden by members of the Royal Family. These horses are kept at Windsor rather than Buckingham Palace.

In August and September, they are given a well-earned break when they go out to grass at Hampton Court.

A day in the life of the Royal Mews
Below is a breakdown of an average working day in the Royal Mews. Obviously this will vary if ceremonial events are taking place.

6am – Stablehands muck out the stables and brush the horses.

7am – Some horses are exercised, both in the public streets and in Hyde Park. The horses are generally either ridden or led.

8.30am – The remaining horses are exercised, this time with exercise brakes and carriages. More experienced horses will be taken onto the street. Younger horses may be exercised in the Riding School and exposed to sudden noises to prepare them for the London streets.

11am-12pm – Horses are groomed, cleaned and inspected. The Mews opens to the general public at 11am.

4pm – the horses are bedded down.

4.30pm – the working day ends.