Page 340 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
3rd to the Riding Master of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and LCpl Griffiths 6th.
There is an immense feeling of pride when walking in to the prize giving with some of the best riders within the military. Saluting Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, knowing that our Colonel in Chief and also a previous Olympic Rider in her own right, has just watched you ride your own horse which you have produced by yourself, is a feeling that cannot be described.
I would like to take this brief moment to thank all of those who kindly came to watch and provide their support. In these few remaining public displays, we can show the unity that exists within the military and also how good being a Member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces can be.55
2017... “Hoofing it”
Army farriers have battled it out in a fierce test of mettle. The annual British Army Shoeing Competition saw personnel go up against the clock to try to hammer out winning shoes to a range of different briefs. Staged at the Services School of Farriery in Melton Mowbray, the event saw civilian farriers take on the military specialists from the Household Cavalry and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.56
Defence Animal Training Regiment Open Day 24th June 2017
After several days of frantic organisation, planning and traditional tent building, another Open Day at the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) arrived.
This was going to be a different Open Day. Unlike previous years, the day’s events were centralised on the main show field at the entrance to the DATR. Equine Training Squadron (ETS) and Veterinary Training Squadron (VTS) would open their doors for visitors to explore, and Canine Training Squadron (CTS) were to give exciting Military Working Dog (MWD) demon- strations in the arena on the main field. It was said that returning visitors were relieved that the dreaded ‘Dog School Hill’, for this year at least, was off the program.
The combination of excellent weather and the best Open Day program to date, saw a record number of visitors through the DATR gates. Some of the scheduled events included duck herding and performances by the Band of the Royal Engineers. The highlight of the day’s events was undoubtedly the inspiring ‘Musical Ride’ performed by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Crowds watched in awe as the energetic display of mounted dutymen moved at high speed around the arena demonstrating their skill in the saddle. The main arena proved a popular location for
visitors, but the experience did not stop there. For those wishing to explore, both ETS and VTS were open and running their own attractions throughout the day. At ETS visitors were able to enjoy the beautiful stable yard and meet its resident horses who were quite happy to be receiving so much attention. The Squadron’s Forge also opened to visitors for a unique opportunity to observe the DATR skilled Army School of Farriery at work.
Not to be out done, VTS ran its popular treasure hunt, ‘Test Your Knowledge’ horse and dog breed board and ‘Dress like a Vet’ fun dress-up; a stall which proved to be popular with adults and children alike. For those not wishing to take part in activities, the Mayfield Alpaca Farm (popular at the 2015 Open Day) brought some of their unusual animals including meerkats, a porcupine and of course several alpacas for visitors to meet.
Canine Training Squadron’s Military Working Dog handlers impressed the crowds in the main arena by demonstrating their Military Working Dog capability and handling skills. Crowds were especially entertained by their unique ‘cops and robbers’ bite work demon- stration which allowed visitors to appreciate the agility and power MWDs possess.
For the first time at a DATR Open Day event, visitors could meet “Cruachan” the Shetland pony mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scots and the almost Shetland pony-sized “Domhnall” the Irish Wolfhound mascot of the Irish Guards. A little reminder that the DATR is responsible for the health and care of mascots throughout the Ministry of Defence and that its mascots come in all shapes and sizes!
At the day’s end visitors left the DATR saying it was by far the best Open Day yet. With Open Day expecta- tions taken to a new level will the DATR ever manage to top this year’s event?57
2018... “Bootcamp for beasts”
Regimental animals and their handlers had a paw-sen- sitive experience at the Army’s first ever Mascot Training Camp. Staged at the DATR in Melton Mowbray, the event saw four-legged figureheads put on parade and pitted against each other in a test of smartness. The soldiers were also given expert advice from specialists in the RAVC, Household Calvary and the King’s Troop Royal Horse artillery.58
Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Centenary Parade, Melton Mowbray Friday 27th July 2018 #RAVC100 At the outbreak of the First World War, the British Army had approximately twenty-five thousand Military Working Animals; within six-months this escalated to five hundred thousand.
55 ‘DAC Royal Tournament’ by Captain Caz Bullard RAVC Chiron Calling Spring 2016.
56 Soldier Magazine dated December 2017.
57 ‘Defence Animal Training Regiment Open Day 24th June 2017’ Chiron Calling Autumn 2017. 58 Soldier Magazine dated November 2018.
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