Pure Meadows Farm Gypsy Cobs, Drum Horses, and Gypsy Ponies

About the Drum Horse

Originally named after the job performed by the horse, the “Drum Horse” is an important member of the Queen of England's Band of the Life Guards. They carry two large, solid silver, kettle Drums, plus a fully outfitted rider, through sizable crowds, during the Queen’s processions. Drum Horses that perform in the Queen's Calvary have always been geldings, up until the recent addition of one mare.

They are generally over 16hh and must be strong enough to carry both the weight of the large kettledrums, the drummer himself and all associated gear, often in excess of 140kg. They are usually piebald or skewbald in color although it is not uncommon to see them in solid colors as well. It is imperative that the Drum Horse has an exceptional disposition, being controlled entirely by reins attached to the drummer’s feet during parades and events and doing it all with someone on their back beating two deafening kettle drums.

At one time, colored Shire Horses were common, and could even be registered in the studbook of The Shire Horse Society (UK). A decision was made that piebald and skewbald coloured horses would no longer be accepted in the registry, which eventuated in the downfall of the Coloured Shire Horse. It didn't take long for these coloured horses to fall out of favor amongst Britain's Shire breeders. Many of these horses found their way into Gypsy's hands, which made perfect horses to pull their heavy wagons. These original Coloured Shire horses are well known by Gypsy Cob breeders for being used in the early development of the modern Gypsy Cob. It is very rare these days to run across Drum Horses from the original Coloured Shire bloodlines.

Today, advancements are being made to develop the Drum Horse into an established breed, inspired by working horses still found carrying kettledrums in the Queen of England’s cavalry. Modern Drum Horses combine the size and stature of the Shire and Clydesdale with the color and hair of the Gypsy Horse to create an animal that possesses the best traits of each breed and are being refined for use in various ridden and driven disciplines.

Being slightly lighter than their full-blood draft counterparts, the Drum Horse makes a talented athletic mount which can compete successfully in many ridden disciplines, and excels in harness events. In addition, Drum Horses are well suited for taller heavier riders that need a horse with more substance and height, but still want a calm, level headed riding horse.

Drum Horse breeding stock currently includes a combination of the Shire, Clydesdale and Gypsy Cob breeds and in some cases, may also contain some Friesian bloodstock.