Meet Burmese, a beautiful black mare with a secret fear of loud noises who must carry The Queen through the grandest parades. With the help of Arthur the groom and The Queen's gentle, steady presence, Burmese discovers that true courage isn't about being fearless—it's about trusting your friend and finding the rhythm that carries you through even the loudest, brightest moments, one steady step at a time.
Burmese was not just any horse. He was a Royal Canadian Mounted Police gift, a beautiful black mare with a coat like polished velvet. But despite his grand life at the Palace stables, Burmese had a secret: he hated loud noises.
Loud noises meant crowds, cheers, and clanking drums. This made life tricky, because Burmese had one very important job: carrying Her Majesty, The Queen, in all the great parades!
The Queen knew about Burmese's nervousness. The first time she rode him, she spoke softly and kept her hands steady. "We are a team, Burmese," she whispered into his mane. "I will look after you, and you will look after me."
Every morning before a big event, Arthur would brush Burmese until he shone. "Just think of the carrots afterward, old friend," Arthur would joke, tightening the saddle and bridle.
The morning of the biggest parade—Trooping the Colour—arrived. Outside the palace walls, the sound of marching bands and cheering crowds began to rumble like distant thunder. Burmese stamped his hoof nervously in his stall.
Suddenly, the stall door opened. In walked The Queen, dressed in her bright uniform, ready for the ride. She did not rush. She simply offered Burmese a piece of sugar and stood close, radiating calm.
She mounted him outside in the courtyard. As soon as she was settled, Burmese felt the familiar rhythm of her posture. The Queen gave a small nod, and off they went, through the high gates and into the loud, bright world.
The parade route was a river of noise. Soldiers marched perfectly; music blasted from trombones; people waved flags and cheered so loudly the ground seemed to shake. Burmese's ears flattened slightly. He wanted to run back to the quiet stables.
Burmese started to pull on the reins, tense and jittery. The Queen didn't speak a word.She just leaned forward, keeping her reins completely steady, and gave Burmese a tiny, almost invisible brush of her boot on his side—a silent reminder.
*Clop, clop, clop.*Burmese took a deep breath.He focused on his Queen and their steady rhythm.Together, they marched on, straight and true, past all the cheers and the drums, two friends leading the parade, side by side.