Riding the Marches-Edinburgh 2014

It's that time of year again when the guardians of Edinburgh's boundaries ride the Marches to check that they are safe to protect entry from alien hordes.

I took the bus to Gilmerton to see the horses and riders gather before they set off on the ride, a ride which takes all day and culminates in a canter up the Royal Mile for a flag ceremony at the Mercat Cross.

They were a fine body of mounted lads and lasses, and their mounts, well groomed, gleamed shiny coated in the sunshine.
Being a non rider, I am in awe of anyone who can control such a big animal, but the procession seemed very well behaved except for one who reportedly unseated its rider before it had even made the road. It was taken away in disgrace in a horse box while the rider was transported in an ambulance to hospital with a broken leg.

The corporation were on hand to clean the roadway immediately the horses passed. There was no time for any little old ladies to come with buckets and shovels to collect the manure for their roses.

It seems in Edinburgh unlike the Borders we have a Captain rather than a Braw Lad leading the occasion, and this is he on a beautiful grey, although he does look a bit glum for the occasion.