MASTER of the HORSE
—is an office of high honor and great trust, seldom conferred upon any but some distinguished individual of the peerage, in possession of his Majesty's confidence, and honored with his personal approbation. The department of the MASTER of the HORSE is of very considerable magnitude, possessing a greater extent of patronage than almost any other appointment in the GIFT of the Crown. The Master of the Horse is the supreme superintendant of every thing appertaining to the establishment of the King's stables and their contents. It is within his official department to take cognizance of every part of the royal retinue in which HORSES, CARRIAGES, and their requisite attendants, are concerned; as well as personally to attend upon his Majesty whenever they are employed; but more particularly upon all public occasions, and in all PROCESSIONS of STATE. He also appears in personal attendance upon his Majesty in the chase; unless upon some occasions, by the King's permission, or particular desire, that official service is dispensed with. Subordinate to the Master of the Horse in the stable establishment, are the equerries, pages of honor, clerk of the stables, yeomen riders, mews-keepers, coachmen, footmen, grooms, postillions, and helpers, exclusive of saddlers, coach, harness, and bit-makers. The establishment of the ROYAL HUNT is also officially announced in the department of the Master of the Horse; although the patronage and appointments remain of course with the Master of the Stag Hounds.