Page 292 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
The Horses
The Army School of Equitation’s main commitment was to the Long Military Equitation Instructors Course for twelve students which lasted for twenty-seven weeks from October to April each year. This course, recognised as a significant equitation qualification in both military and civilian circles, provided a concentrated in-depth study and practice of riding skills, instructional ability, stable management, veterinary care and equine training techniques. Upon completion of the course, the students should be well up to the examination standards for the British Horse Society (BHS) Assistant Instructor Qualification as well as being fully conversant with the specific military needs of mounted duty personnel. During the course, students received one hundred and seventy-eight riding periods, thirty-three periods of stable management, twenty-four veterinary lectures, twelve farriery periods (some practical) plus guest lectures, visits to other equine estab- lishments and associated instruction. In addition, there were evening discussion groups and tutorials in the school as the course progressed, and as developing skills required practicing.
The School maintains the Weedon tradition that students learn by practical experience and not theory alone. All students, Officer and NCO alike, receive a thorough grounding in general stable routine during the first month by being totally responsible for the horse allotted to them. Consequently, the basic skills of feeding and watering, cleaning out the stable, grooming and cleaning tack, are all learnt and experienced first-hand. As the course progresses and the daily riding time increased to four hours in the saddle, utilising three horses, groom assistance was then provided by the School. However, throughout the course a very personal and active partici- pation was maintained in all aspects of equine care and equipment by each and every student. Army Equitation instructors learn and speak from personal, and sometimes painful, experience!
The School of Equitation also provided support in the training of RAVC recruits and WRAC rider/ grooms for employment within the School as well as running short, advanced courses for personnel sponsored by Joint Services Saddle Clubs.16
On 1st November 1987 the RAVC Training Centre became the RAVC Centre. This completed
the policy initiated by Brigadier John R J Clifford, when DAVRS, to ensure the Corps’ Unit titles aptly stated their purpose and function in the modern Army.17 However, this change did not stop the controversial rumblings continuing through the remainder of the 1980s as the politicians vied to rationalise the closure, reduction, or the protection of the Melton site.
For all those who held the position of DAVRS during this lengthy period of uncertainty, this continuing debate became the bane of their life. Brigadier Andrew Warde makes mention of the ‘cold interviews’ having to justify the existence of the Corps,18 while Brigadier Geoffrey Durrant refers to the attempts at ‘stitching up’ by the financial people and the RAF who desired to take control of all dog training at one particular meeting concerning the fate of the Corps. Tactfully the Brigadier agreed that the subject was interesting and well presented, ‘however the RAVC does not have the manpower to meet the needs of the plan.’19 Thus, the idea was scuppered!
What was achieved in the 1980s?
Whilst the chapter on Melton Camp mentions many times the rebuild of the kennels nothing really transpired, until 1988 when the ADTS was delighted to report that all the old kennel blocks – previously converted mules stables – had been demolished and that ninety new purpose designed ‘Melton’ wooden kennels (similar to Staffordshire type kennels) were not only on site but were in use. The modular wooden kennels design much tried and tested within the Army over the last 25 years, were on concrete hard standings. Each was separated by means of pre-cast concrete kerbstones to prevent waste matter being washed from one kennel to another. The separate integral sleeping compartment not only deterred the dogs from defecating on their bedding but meant there was a considerable saving in the use of straw. This led to a 20% reduction in disposal costs of soiled bedding. Each kennel row had its own water supply and drainage and a new more cost-efficient lighting system was installed. The resurfacing of the sidewalks and the provision of kennel equipment sheds saw the completion of the project before the Open Day on 31st July 1988. The refurbishment programme saw an immense improvement in the working conditions which served to give a renewed sense of pride in the
16 RAVC Training Centre Notes by Sgt Chris Ham RAVC Summer 1986.
17 Chiron Calling dated November 1987.
18 Oral Testimony, Brigadier Andrew Warde CBE, interviewed by R McIntosh on the 10th November 2015.
19 Oral Testimony, Brigadier Geoffrey Durrant CBE MBE, interviewed by R McIntosh on the 2nd June 2015.
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