Tuesday Video From Dubarry: Marching Band on Horseback?

As if drill team isn’t hard enough, the Portuguese National Republican Guard has added a complete military band.

As someone who has both ridden drill exercises and played in orchestras and symphonic bands, this performance is akin to rubbing your stomach while patting your head — I have no idea how these guys are able to remember the music they’re playing and where they’re supposed to be riding with nary a wrong note or a collision taking place.

Can these guys even see over their euphoniums?

Bonus points for the horses who tolerate snare drums and cymbals being played two feet away from their head.

The Regimento de Cavalaria da Guarder Nacional Republicana, or Cavalry Regiment of the National Republican Guard of Portugal, claims to be the only mounted band in the world that performs at a gallop. This performance is done only at the walk and the trot, but it’s still insanely impressive. Traditionally, this regiment performs every third Sunday of the month for the changing of the guard ceremony at the Portuguese President’s residence, the Belém Palace of Lisbon.

The Musikschau der Nationen is an international celebration of military bands and folk groups from nations all over the world, taking place every year in Bremen, Germany. Originally intended to be a fundraiser for German and international youth camps, the Musikschau der Nationen has become a meaningful representation of international cooperation and mutual respect.

Go riding! (Military band sold separately.)