Horse Sense

Every morning at 11:00AM except Sunday (10:00AM on Sunday) the Queen's Life Guards (Blues and Royals Troops now an integrated unit) parade in grounds located at the east end of St. James Park in London, adjacent to No. 10 Downing Street. The Horse Guards grounds and palace is the official entrance to St. James Park and Buckingham Palace. From the parade grounds, the Guard proceeds to Buckingham Palace as part of the famous Changing of the Queen's Guard Ceremony. After returning from that ceremony one mounted guard stands at a palace portal until 4:00PM when there is a Dismounting Ceremony and inspection of the entire Life Guard.

Horses seen to be able to read the comfort level of persons approaching them. The horse standing guard with its rider this day apparently sensed Sue was very comfortable around horses and did not pull back as she approached and in fact turned its head toward her as she got along side. (Sue grew up on a farm, raised horses, and showed them in 4-H.)