The Drum Horse in the Picture

Christopher Joll examines the British cavalry's use of drum horses and tells the story of Paddy II, the subject of a famous painting by Sir Alfred Munnings.

In 1900, all British cavalry regiments had drum horses and mounted bands. Today, only half maintain these gilded animals, and the Household Cavalry has the only remaining mounted band. 

One drum horse immortalised forever is Paddy II of the 1st Life Guards, painted in 1922 by Sir Alfred Munnings. Today, it is the most valuable picture in the Life Guards' collection.

Join Christopher Joll to find out more about the drum horse tradition, the ceremonial duties of these horses and the story behind the famous depiction of Paddy II. 

Christopher Joll is a regimental historian of the Household Cavalry and the author of 'The Drum Horse in the Fountain'.

There will be a book signing with the author after the event.

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