Videocrux - Soldiers getting ready for France's national holiday

#Videocrux - Soldiers getting ready for France's national holiday Soldiers getting ready for France's national holiday
Pierre Spalart, Deputy Chief of the 1rst Squadron says i do everything with him. I've been with him since 2006, when I joined the squad. (That's it Milou)" Sparlart is getting ready for the big day July 14th France's national holiday, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the start of the French revolution.
Horse cavalry regiment only mounted in the army
It's 6am and the start of a new day for Pierre Spalart. He's a member of France's elite military unit, the Republican Guard, its horse cavalry regiment is the only mounted one in the army. Spalart's best friend is his horse, Milou, of course.
Soldiers getting ready for France's national holiday
Pierre Spalart, Deputy Chief of the 1rst Squadron says i do everything with him. I've been with him since 2006, when I joined the squad. (That's it Milou)" Sparlart is getting ready for the big day July 14th France's national holiday, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the start of the French revolution.
Horses start preparing for Bastille Day in France
Pierre Spalart, Regimental Sergeant Major, 1st Squadron says July 14th is the highlight of the year, it's the result of a full year of work, maybe even several years because the horses start preparing for Bastille Day when they are four, when they first come to the stables.
Officers escorts the presidential limousine in parade
Sporting a sword and helmet, the officers' uniform has hardly changed since Napoleon Bonaparte created the unit in 1802. Another sign that old traditions die hard is the overwhelming male dominance of the unit where only one in ten of its members is a woman. Most of the guards' missions are ceremonial. On July 14th, 240 cavalry officers will escort the presidential limousine in a carefully choreographed parade.
Bastille, a show which tests skills of horse and rider
Franck Clément, Major says everything is difficult and everything is easy. The goal is that things which look technically difficult appear normal and natural because they are mastered technically. It's a show which tests the skills of horse and rider but after years of training they can hold their heads high and savor their moment in the spotlights.

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