The Horse Trust farewells its last drum horse

Leo was the last remaining drum horse living at the sanctuary in Speen, Buckinghamshire, after the other drum horses Janus and Constantine died in September and December respectively.

Leo, who retired to the home in 2004, suffered a suspected heart attack on Friday and died peacefully in the arms of his groom Matt Bradley.

"Leo was an awesome character and all I can say he was my boy and I shall really miss him," he said.

Shirley Abbott, yard manager at The Horse Trust, said: "We are very sad at the loss of Leo, particularly so soon after losing Janus and Constantine.

"Leo was well-loved by staff and visitors to the sanctuary, and will be particularly missed by Matt."

Leo, 27, a 17.2-hand piebald gelding, worked at the Household Cavalry for 18 years. His royal duties included guard duty in Whitehall, the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, escorting the Queen and the royal family, and participating in riding displays.

Leo had an impeccable record with the Household Cavalry, aside from one occasion where - during a royal parade in Hyde Park - he left the ceremony to canter around the park, carrying his drums and musician with him.

The Horse Trust has also said goodbye to Thuglet, a cheeky Shetland pony who has lived at the sanctuary since 2007.

Thuglet, 29, a 36-inch bay Shetland gelding, arrived at the sanctuary from an animal rescue centre in Hertfordshire that closed down.

"Thuglet was a very cheeky character and will be remembered fondly by everyone who knew him," said Abbott.

"His personality certainly wasn't proportional to his size - at times he acted more like a 16-hand horse than a 36-inch Shetland Pony!"

Thuglet died on Thursday of natural causes.

The Horse Trust, founded in 1886, is the oldest horse charity in the UK.

Constantine, Leonidas and Janus in their field at The Horse Trust. The trio were inseparable.