Published: Less than 20 min ago
The mounted guard will get a safer helmet, the defense says, after the union reported the helmet issue to the Work Environment Agency and the issue drew attention in the media.
The ceremonial helmet used has looked the same for more than 100 years and is more fancy than protective in nature. The safety representative has reported the issue to the Work Environment Agency.
Last year, a horse reared after being spooked by a wasp and the musician fell off and lost his helmet.
“We have started work on developing a new parade helmet that provides protection when riding and is at the same time useful for parade duty. In addition, we will produce a back protector or a protective vest that can be worn under the parade uniform,” says the head of the Lifeguard, Colonel Stefan Nacksten, to the Swedish Armed Forces’ website.
According to Nacksten, he already made a decision about a project on increased riding safety before the issue was noticed in the media. But the Lifeguard cannot change the parade equipment on its own, it needs to be done together with the Defense Staff. Pending the Work Environment Authority’s decision, the parades continue as usual.
“The mounted guard parade is about 300 years old and there is great value in preserving the tradition. There is no contradiction in preserving tradition and working for a safe working environment,” says Nacksten.
Facts
Mount the high guard
Mounted guard duty is a tradition with roots from the 18th century.
The mounted guard parades are carried out by the Armed Forces, the Life Guard’s Dragon Music Corps (LDK) and the Life Squadron from the Life Guard.
All high guard horses are owned by the foundation Föreningen den Beridna högvakten, which, together with the Swedish Armed Forces, is responsible for the horses and the operation.
Today there are around 75 horses for guard duty in the Cavalry Barracks.
Source: Mount the High Guard
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