Horse, MASTER OF THE

Horse, MASTER OF THE, the third great officer of the court, who has the superintendence of the royal stables, and of all horses and breeds of horses belonging to the Queen. He exercises authority over all the equestrians and pages, grooms, coachmen, saddlers, and farriers, and has the appointment and control of all artificers working for the royal stables. He is answerable for the disbursement of all revenues appropriated to defray the expenses of his department; but his accounts are audited and examined by the Board of Green Cloth. He has the privilege of making use of the royal horses, pages, and servants, and rides next to the monarch on all state occasions. The office is one of great antiquity, and is considered a position of great honour. He is appointed during pleasure, by letters-patent; but his tenure of office depends on the existence of the political party in power. The salary is £2500 a year.