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Local Soldiers Lead the King’s Troop at The New Forest Show

The New Forest & Hampshire County Show is delighted to announce the return, by popular demand, of the King’s Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery Four Gun Musical Drive for the show in July. What is particularly exciting is that this time there are three soldiers who live locally taking part., and the new Commanding officer is for the first time, a lady!

LBdr Clare Haigh from the New Forest came to the Show in 2003 and is now back, promoted to leading one of the teams. Also here from the area are LBdr Peter Skelley from Lake on the Isle of Wight and Gunner Lucinda Wilkins from Blackwater also on the Isle of Wight.

To have three of the Troop from this area makes this event even more exciting. To have the King’s Troop here anyway is an accolade for the Show as they have a busy schedule carrying out Royal and State duties and only chooses two agricultural shows to go to a year in the UK.

The new Commanding Officer of the Kings Troop is Major Erica Bridge – who incidentally led the performances at their last visit to the Show. Those who missed them in 2003 will recognise the King’s Troop as their gun carriages are used at all Royal and State ceremonies we go to London to see. At the New Forest Show, the end of each performance in the main ring will finish with the firing of their four guns (cannons) in a simultaneous spectacular crescendo. These are the same guns used for the 41-gun salute in Hyde Park.

The King’s Troop are THE attraction for visitors to witness as they cannot be beaten for speed or daring. At The New Forest Show they will be seen, in all their magnificence, in the exciting Musical Drive in the main ring twice a day on all three days. This drive, which has been performed all over the world by this Troop, is an exciting and spectacular display of horsemanship, carried out at the gallop, culminating in the dangerous scissor movement when teams cross in the centre of the ring with no visible gap between them. The intricacies of the interweaving of this unleashed horse power makes one gasp with awe and admiration combined with ‘heart in ones mouth’ emotions.

The performance culminates in the firing of the cannons before the finale when they gallop out of the ring. An amazing sight not to be missed.

The New Forest & Hampshire County Show will be held on Tuesday 24th, Wednesday 25th AND Thursday 26th July at the Showground in New Park, Brockenhurst.

Look at www.newforestshow.co.uk for information, discounted tickets and the best way to travel to this popular event, by car or let the train take the strain. Tickets also available by ringing 01590 622409.