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so disrespectful

(17 Posts)
creakingandchronic Mon 09-Jun-25 15:17:26

I stumbled across some videos this morning on the internet of the soldiers on horseback guarding the palace. Obviously these are an iconic part of the Royal Family and London, but the way people treat them is awful.
It clearly says, Do not touch the horses or get close. There is a clearly designated line to stay behind, but so many got up close and started grabbing the reins or the horses themselves.
Most awful was one woman who stood close and kept flapping her umbrella open and closed as she could see it was upsetting the horse. I was pleased to see the police came and spoke to her.
The way these people treat these poor soldiers and horses, well, even the soldiers on their own, is terrible. People should have more respect

windmill1 Mon 09-Jun-25 15:21:41

They are idiots hoping for their 15 Minutes Of Fame. And to make it onto YouTube.

The police should have done more than 'speak to' the ignorant woman. 24 hrs in the cells would have given her time to think - if she is capable of thinking.

Shelflife Mon 09-Jun-25 16:02:37

Yes I have seen them ! Such stupid people, it beggers belief! 😡🤬

ViceVersa Mon 09-Jun-25 16:09:21

I think some tourists in particular think it is just some kind of ceremonial thing, but these are real soldiers and they will act if they feel they have to. As you say, there are clear notices - but there's no accounting for some people's stupidity.

Witzend Mon 09-Jun-25 16:11:05

windmill1

They are idiots hoping for their 15 Minutes Of Fame. And to make it onto YouTube.

The police should have done more than 'speak to' the ignorant woman. 24 hrs in the cells would have given her time to think - if she is capable of thinking.

Perhaps even better, a hefty fine on the spot.

keepingquiet Mon 09-Jun-25 16:40:03

I once got addicted to seeing these posts and then decided the people making the videos were just encouraging the activity.
I don't watch them anymore...

nanasam Mon 09-Jun-25 16:57:10

I love it when the guards shout at the stupid tourists, makes some of them really jump!

Oreo Mon 09-Jun-25 17:28:52

There was a docu about it earlier this year, the Guardsmen have to put up with a lot.
Some tourists think it’s a kind of Disney attraction just for their benefit, until they get hollered at and the horse moves forward.
😈🤭

Allira Mon 09-Jun-25 17:35:10

If a horse bolted into the crowds they'd be blaming the horse and the soldier.
Stupid people.

rafichagran Mon 09-Jun-25 17:44:41

These people are ignorant and juvenile.

jusnoneed Tue 10-Jun-25 08:15:31

Yes the tourists are stupid to get so close to the animals.
But I also think it's cruel to make the horses stand there. They have to stand still with a person on their back for an hour at a time.

Toetoe Tue 10-Jun-25 09:01:34

I've watched them and I feel proud of these young soldiers and their beautiful horses . I just love it when occasionally the horse bites the disrespectful tourist . I also love it when little children stand respectfully and the soldier manouvours the horse to be in the photo

ExaltedWombat Tue 10-Jun-25 14:08:40

ViceVersa

I think some tourists in particular think it is just some kind of ceremonial thing, but these are real soldiers and they will act if they feel they have to. As you say, there are clear notices - but there's no accounting for some people's stupidity.

Though I'm sure the soldier would act in extremis, in practice it's just ceremonial. A policeman takes care of anything that needs doing. But, FGS, yes it's a SOLDIER. I don't think we need to worry too much if (s)he gets upset!

Beau1958 Tue 10-Jun-25 14:30:51

Maybe the notices should be in different languages so the tourists have a bit more understanding of what not to do

gran5up Tue 10-Jun-25 14:40:54

I watch these often and my 2 favourites to date are the little Japanese boy who bows in respect...and the policeman called to deal with a disrespectful tourist who then calls him a "sausage"shock

Deedaa Tue 10-Jun-25 14:50:50

I'm surprised by the number of people who seem to have never met a horse before. The way they plant their small children next to a horse that they don't know is horrifying. A real bite from a horse is exceedingly painful, so is being trodden on. And why do they pose in front of the signs? It isn't even going to give them a decent photo.

vickymeldrew Tue 10-Jun-25 21:25:40

I’m also guilty of watching these clips and being horrified at the idiocy of some tourists. However, I do have a lovely picture of myself in Cuba next to a sign that says. “ Don't stand under the Coconut Tree” !