New Delhi: President’s Bodyguard (PBG) horse, Virat, caught everyone's attention today as it retired after escorting President Ramnath Kovind from the 73rd Republic Day celebration at Rajpath to Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Hanoverian breed horse was bid a farewell by President Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Virat was the mount of President's Bodyguard Commandant Colonel Anup Tiwary and has been a part of Republic Day parades for 13 times. It was also awarded Chief of Army Staff Commendation on the eve of Army Day on January 15. It received this commendation for exceptional abilities and service, making it to be the first horse to receive the recognition.
The horse was included in the PBG regiment in 2003 and was also called “Charger” of the President's Bodyguard.
Livehindustan quoted an official as saying that the horse performed exceptionally well despite his old age during the Republic Day parade and last year’s Beating the Retreat ceremony.
The President’s Bodyguard is the most elite Regiment of the Indian Army.