A military horse who led the procession taking Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall for Lying In State has become the 55th recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit, the equivalent of the animals’ OBE.
Lord Firebrand, who is known affectionately as Yogi, was a military working horse for 10 years and was often praised for having a calm and reliable nature.
His duties included participating in the full range of state ceremonial and public duty (SCPD) activities, such as the State Opening of Parliament, State Visits, and Trooping the Colour.
“Yogi is the only horse I would trust to deliver such a high-profile parade, under such scrutiny and pressure. Yogi is always the first choice for any parade commander,” said captain Amy Cooper, Yogi’s rider during Operation London Bridge — the codename given to all events leading up to the state funeral of the late Queen.
“For Yogi to win the PDSA Order of Merit is just amazing. He’s so deserving,” continued Amy.
“He’s given a lot of hours to the army, to the King’s Troop, to the officers who have ridden him. He’s brought a lot of joy [and] for somebody to recognise all that hard work he’s given over the years, it’s extremely heart-warming for me. I can’t think of a more deserving animal.”
Poise and reliability
For the Lying in State procession in September 2022, there was only one full rehearsal which took place in the middle of the night, when it was dark and with minimal crowds — stark contrast to the real event.
On 13 May that same year, Yogi was chosen to be the Parade Commander’s horse for the Platinum Jubilee Celebration.
“He was specially chosen for his poise and reliability in stressful situations, as the parade is a particularly challenging role for any horse,” said a statement from the PDSA.
“The horses were required to stand still for up to two hours and remain so, despite large ranks of Foot Guards adorned in their imposing bearskins conducting massed foot and rifle drills in front of them.”
Contribution to the nation
Yogi retired in December 2023 after a 10-year career with The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. He now lives with a former Officer of the King’s Troop and their family, and enjoys regular exercise in the countryside.
“Throughout Yogi’s career, he has been the first choice of any parade commander due to his striking appearance and professional conduct. His contribution to the defence and the nation is without question,” said PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin.
“The unique emotional support that he provided to his riders throughout his career showcased the special relationship between humans and animals.
“Yogi instilled a sense of trust and belief beyond his general role and responsibility by supporting his rider during high-pressure occasions such as Operation London Bridge.”
£5 million criminal cash
Scamp (left) and Yoyo with their medals
Two specialist detection dogs, Yoyo and Scamp, have also been awarded a PDSA Order of Merit.
Alongside their handler Stuart, the pair of Spaniels conducted more than 1,000 searches a year, working with trading standards officers and police forces across the country to sniff out illegal cigarettes and tobacco.
In total they uncovered 40 million illegal cigarettes, 18 tonnes of illicit hand-rolling tobacco worth approximate £31.2 million, and over £5 million of criminal cash.
The dogs were awarded the PDSA Order of Merit at an event held at the Tower of London on 2 October 2024. Major Samuel Littlejohn attended in person to represent Yogi.
About the awards
PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity and it has been awarding medals to exceptional animals for 10 years.
The PDSA Order of Merit recognises animals that have demonstrated outstanding devotion to their owner or wider society.
To date, the charity has awarded the PDSA Order of Merit to 55 animals, 13 horses including Yogi, and 42 dogs including Yoyo and Scamp.
