TRIBUTES have been paid to a "cheeky and loveable" Household Cavalry horse who spent his final moments in retirement in Buckinghamshire.

Vainglory, also known as Sven, retired to the Horse Trust in 2016 after 21 years’ military service.

During his career the stunning black gelding took part in ceremonial events such as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Parade, the late Queen's Life Guard, Diamond Jubilee, and the Royal Wedding in 2011 where he was an Officer's Charger.

Bucks Free Press: Vainglory

Vainglory also went to Windsor to assist in the training of soldiers to ride. He excelled himself when he attended the annual HCMR Summer Camp in Thetford where all the horses enjoy beach rides and take part in jumping events.

The 16.2hh Irish Sports horse spent his retirement in the Chiltern Hills at Speen Farm, Slad Lane, Princes Risborough after what was a very successful working life spanning 21 years.

A spokesman from the Horse Trust said: "Vainglory made close friends with fellow equine military veterans Union and Yeti, both also golden oldies who were long in the tooth and therefore missing plenty of their own teeth!

"They were affectionately known as ‘the gummy bears’ due to this lack of teeth and during the winter months, they often received three  meals a day to supplement their diet as they struggled to graze without all of their teeth.

"Beyond their many dinner dates, these three boys were always found hanging out together in the field and were such cheeky, lovable characters."

Vainglory's journey, however, became increasingly difficult as maintaining his weight posed a challenge, particularly towards summer's end.

Confronting anaemia and a mild colic episode, alongside the impending struggle of sustaining weight in wintertime, the horse trust deemed it a matter of concern.

It became apparent that Vainglory's health issues were beginning to snowball, rendering it unfair to expect the horse to brave the harsh winter.

The Horst Trust made the heart-breaking decision to say goodnight to Vainglory for the final time.

They said: "While we will miss him dearly, we hope that he is reunited with his gummy bear veterans, Union, Yeti and so many others on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

"We have loved every moment of caring for you in your retirement and let you go knowing that you will be at peace. Goodnight, dear Vainglory."

The Horse Trust was established by Ann Lindo in 1886, who, inspired by her love of Anna Sewell’s novel “Black Beauty” created a respite home for horses who were cruelly used as taxi-cabs in Dickensian London, often until they collapsed on the streets.

She pioneered the gentle care, recovery and retirement of working animals, and her loving approach to horses continues to inspire the work of The Horse Trust today.