34 – Serendipity

Serendipity, seen in film hit Downton Abbey, has finally hung up his hooves and moved to a quieter life at The Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire following retirement from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Sovereign's mounted ceremonial saluting battery.

Serendipity (stable name Hades) served as a wheeler in D Sub-Section’s gun team. He took part in many major events including Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday parades, Royal salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park and several state visits. As well as participated in the filming of the movie version of TV hit Downtown Abbey.

The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artilery’s primary duty is the firing of royal gun salutes to mark occasions of state. These include royal births, birthdays and anniversaries, state openings of Parliament, State visits and State funerals.

Here he is, above, wearing his purple poppy with pride. Some of the proceeds from the sale of The War Horse Memorial’s Animal Purple Poppy Fund pin badges and poppies like these go to support the wonderful work of The Horse Trust. Founded in 1886. It is the world’s oldest equine charity, providing a place of rest and retirement for working horses. Equine residents include retired police and military horses, like Serendipity, and rescue horses. 

Hospitality manager Kelly Cudleigh-Smith explains: “We provide retirement and respite to working horses, ponies and donkeys. We also care for rescue cases who have suffered neglect or abuse. As the second largest provider of grant funding for equine welfare in the UK, we are continually committed to a programme of welfare, science and education.

“Our Home of Rest for Horses in Buckinghamshire remains at the heart of our charity. It is here that The Horse Trust cares for over 100 retired and rescued horses. In addition to the home, there is a centre of excellence in horse care where The Horse Trust can demonstrate and share best practice in horse care and welfare.”

For more information visit the Trust’s website www.horsetrust.org.uk , email info@horsetrust.org.uk or telephone 01494 488464.