A U.S. veterinarian is chomping at the bit for the British monarchy do away with “blind tradition.”
Dr. Michael Fox said Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding was “marred” due to the use of “bits in the horses’ mouths.”
After watching the Royal Wedding’s horse-drawn carriage procession on television last week, Dr. Fox wrote a scathing open letter just published in the British Veterinary Association’s journal.
“Several horses were tossing their heads, mouthing and chomping and drooling in obvious oral discomfort,” he wrote in the Vet Record.
Members of the @RoyalFamily saw The Duke and Duchess of Sussex off on a carriage procession through Windsor town #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/DMqsBj0bSz
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
And this isn’t a North American-United Kingdom divide.
Even some British vets decry the use of the “snaffle-bit’” and prefer a bitless bridle — commonly called a hackamore — for horses.
“Time for the Royal horse brigade to get with the times and put animal welfare and respect before blind tradition,” Dr. Fox wrote.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart the Chapel for a carriage procession through the Castle and Windsor Town #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/pxPht7OXfP
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
But changing habits won’t be easy.
The newlyweds were greeted by massive crowds after the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Huge crowds in Windsor Town greet the newly-married Duke and Duchess of Sussex #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/SzHvkB6eIr
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
Equine tradition, particularly in the UK, is well established.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive back at Windsor Castle following their Carriage Procession around Windsor. #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/FF41eUBo7g
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 19, 2018
Still, Dr. Fox remains hopeful for change.
“Let’s hope that this couple will extend their compassion to break the circle of anthropocentrism, and help ensure the humane treatment of all creatures great and small,” he writes.
Staff at The Royal Mews apply their final touches, ahead of tomorrow’s #RoyalWedding.
Find out more about the horses and carriages that will be used: https://t.co/LDnofYXlba pic.twitter.com/Yx6ufe7SQ0
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 18, 2018
The Royals don’t seem moved — at least not yet.
A spokesperson for the Royal Household told The Independent the royal mews horses are trained to particpate in large ceremonial events, adding.
“Professional care is taken to ensure their wellbeing.”
But some members of the public may be on board.
Instagram user “paulaperruna” writing on the Royal Family’s page from the big day asked, “Why are you using horses? Please stop animal abuse.”
Main photo The Royal Family/Instagram
