Page 71 - RSDG Year of 2021 CREST

EQUITATION
Captain AE Humphries
In 2021, Equitation within the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards has finally realised its renaissance. Whilst inel- egant to be boastful, it is fair to say that, following the return from Germany, events of the equine-persuasion had experienced something of a lull. Owing, however, to the hard work of several key individuals – both at regimental duty and in the wider regimental family – 2021 has seen what can only be described as a restora- tion and output the like of which has not been seen for many years. Considering the context within which all this has been achieved, it is all the more impressive. In the interests of keeping this article pithy, Equitation shall be broken down into three parts: polo, sport- ing and development, and ceremonial. As mentioned above, this output would not have been possible with- out some key players, however, the efforts of those out with the Regiment must also be recognised: hopefully this article will capture the majority of those to whom we owe our profound gratitude.
Polo
Whilst there has not been much opportunity to com- pete during 2021, SCOTS DG enjoyed its inaugural Polo camp, which saw both Officers and, for the first time, ORs embarking upon a week of intense polo development. Lt Col (Rtd) Simon Ledger from the Army Polo Association provided funding to compli- ment that from the Regimental Charity. Hosted by Shropshire Polo Club, we are incredibly grateful to Major Terry Warburton for a discount rate for the intensive five-day package. Under the watchful eye of septuagenarian and lothario coach Glynn Henderson, the players were quickly able to master forehands and backhands and even managed to play some flowing
Captain AE Humphries
chukkas by the end of the week. Nervous riders grew in confidence and the final chukkas absolutely dem- onstrated the physical nature of the sport – all things considered, it is rather remarkable that the only rider thrown during the week was Lt Lambert, much to the pleasure and heckles of the ORs. Alongside learning the customs and practice of the sport, the students also took the time to learn the intricacies of grooming and tack their own ponies, much to the bewilderment of the grooms (who then promptly redid the bandages with a polite smile). On the Friday, the majority of the course received their handicap from the Hurlingham Polo Association, which is a huge success. Looking forward to 2023, the ambition remains to be able to field competent Officers and ORs teams.
Sport & Development
In 2019, the Regiment began to explore establishing a relationship with the British Horse Society (BHS)
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The closest half the group came to the goal