Horse an “integral part of the soldier’s identity” in the President’s Bodyguard
Participating in around 70 horse parades and rehearsals every year, India’s elite mounted soldiers, the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) and mounted warriors have begun their annual training cycle for India’s most prestigious ceremonial events: Republic Day, Beating Retreat and opening day of Parliament.
The final selection of horses is pending at the home of the first citizen, supported by modernization in terms of closed and self-sustaining training areas and a closely monitored feeding routine supported by supplements. About 50 or 60 of the regiment’s 100-odd horses will be selected. This year’s parade will see a mix of veterans and young horses showcasing the discipline, training and tradition that goes into making the President’s Household Cavalry.
PBG is the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army and has dual mandate to provide both operational capability in war and to serve as the Home Cavalry of the President of India in times of peace.
A scene from the President’s Bodyguard’s musical journey at the Mounted Gymkhana held at the Jaipur Polo ground in New Delhi on November 29, 1959. | Photo Credit: Hindu Archives
Fixed temperament required
“Every horse (typically standing 157cm or above) undergoes stringent evaluation before induction,” PBG commander Amit Berwal told reporters while touring the stables of Rashtrapati Bhavan. “Horses must exhibit a stable temperament under noise and crowds and must have a strong, flowing gait, the ability to adapt to ceremonial equipment and generally sound health and constitution. ‘The regiment now primarily uses Indian horses bred by the Indian Army,’ he added.
He explained that each PBG horse undergoes deliberate and ongoing training, teaching them to walk, trot and canter with discipline, and then gradually desensitize them to drums, crowds and even gunshots, allowing them to remain cool under pressure. Horses are trained to perform for long periods of time, maintain precise distance, and respond to subtle cues.
Mrs. Chelsea Clinton, daughter of the US President, feeds the President’s Bodyguard horse while strolling through Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 29, 1995. In the picture, President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma’s grandchildren are also seen. | Photo Credit: Hindu Archives
Discipline, tradition and spectacle
The new indoor training arena and parade grounds allow for daily equestrian training, keeping the horses in top condition. “For us, every appearance of these horses is a blend of discipline, tradition and a spectacle witnessed by millions in India and around the world,” said Colonel Berwal.
The President’s bodyguards are seen during President Pratibha Patil’s address to a joint session of Parliament in New Delhi on June 4, 2009. | Photo Credit: Rajeev Bhatt
A PBG horse’s daily routine begins with early grooming, followed by exercise, midday rest, and an evening grooming session. Horses are provided with a carefully balanced diet of grains, concentrates and green fodder, adapted to their metabolism, temperament and workload. Regular checkups, farrier care and strict consistent care keep them healthy.
A lifetime of service
Once a PBG horse reaches retirement age, usually between 18 and 22 years of age, it is moved to the Army Remount and Veterinary Corps Depot.
However, some horses are remembered within the regiment for their unique service. For example, Viraat, who was awarded the Chief of Army Staff appreciation card in 2022 and was caressed by the President and the Prime Minister at that year’s Republic Day parade, was adopted by the PBG post-retirement.
A soldier often working with the same horse for extended periods of time fosters mutual trust, a predictable response during high-pressure ceremonies and high discipline, Col. Berwal said. “For us, the horse becomes an integral part of the soldier’s identity,” he said.
It was published – 22 November 2025 08:02 IST
