I have a question......the riderless horse seems to be uncomfortable and chewing at his bit and wiggling around. Do you or does anyone else know if that is because the horse is in pain from the bit or is nervous?
Likely it's the crowds. Bits are designed to be unobtrusive. If the bit were in wrong, the bridle wouldn't be on his head long.
I think it got spooked by a barking dog...
Red
He's not in pain, he's keyed up from the excitement and feels alone.
The riderless horse often acts a little fractious during the ceremony and that is just part of it. His instincts are telling him to be up where the other horses are and he's being made to walk slow and stay behind.
From the articles I read he was chosen for his spirit. every time some one walks into his barn he sticks his head out of the stall throwing it in circles looking for a pat of attention.