Page 68 - RSDG Year of 2023

66 EAGLE AND CARBINE
The faithful reader will recall, that in my 2022 article, I promised great things for equitation in 2023: I can write here now that the Regiment has not disappointed; 2023 has, however, been a year of farewells (and welcomes) amongst the Regiment’s equine community. More on that to follow.
If you have read this far into the journal, you will know by now that 2022 has been characterised by ROTO 5’s return from Op NEWCOMBE, and by the build-up to VJTF(L) with validation taking the form of Ex WESSEX STORM. Furthermore, you would accept that once again this offers not great respite for equine activity: this is true to a point, and we have seen a slight decline in the number of SP attending riding lessons, however, this is absolutely a reflection of tempo and deployed soldiers, as opposed to a waning interest in horses. Tempo has claimed some sad
victims all the same: owing to deployments and courses, sadly no serving Officers were able to attend a Sprot Cup this year: something that will be rectified in 2023 thankfully.
2022 has also seen something of a changing of the guard amongst the equine-minded of the Regiment, with three consistently supportive and proficient personalities moving on in one way or another, and this is a prime opportunity to recognise their efforts. Sgt Tipling has changed horses all together, and now rides in civilian silks: “Tippers” joined us fresh from HCMR in 2018 and has been a great advocate of mounted ceremonial efforts in the Regiment, riding on several parades during his time: a natural horseman, his knowledge of mounted drill and “what good looks like” was of huge benefit to the Regiment. Similarly, Cpl Ian Pragnell has bolted the stable and moved over to a role in the QOY. We are very jealous of the equine work ethic the QOY have acquired: Cpl Pragnell dutifully ran all equine stores during his time at the Regiment, playing a key role in acquiring new ceremonial kit for riders and in maintaining the horse furniture. A steady conduit between the Regiment and Tower Farm stables, we are hugely grateful for his efforts in helping us rebuild equitation following the return of the regiment from Germany and will take a moment here to recognise how vital he was to all equine output for the last five years.
Finally, I would like to applaud the legacy of Cpl Jones, who has now returned to pasture after a full 22-year career with the Army. Those of you that have followed this article over the years, would recognise Cpl Jones in perhaps every issue. Intrinsically tied to Equitation from the moment he transferred to the Regiment back in Germany,
EQUITATION
Capt AE Humphries, Retiring Mounted Troop Leader